The role – what you’ll do  

Barr is seeking a senior environmental consultant to join our Grand Rapids, Michigan, team. In this hybrid role, you will support Barr’s environmental review and natural resources management efforts, primarily across the Midwest, by leading and supporting environmental review, permitting, and compliance projects for a variety of clients. You will work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams to identify opportunities, scope and execute projects, and provide strategic and technical guidance related to environmental permitting and compliance. This includes supporting environmental resource characterization, impact assessments, mitigation planning, and construction monitoring.  

The ideal candidate is a strong technical leader who combines deep regulatory expertise with excellent client service, business development acumen, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.

Your impact – key responsibilities  

• Project leadership and delivery: lead environmental review, permitting, and compliance projects, including forming teams, coordinating work execution, managing budgets and schedules, and ensuring quality outcomes. 

• Environmental permitting and regulatory strategy: provide technical expertise and interpretation of state and federal regulations, including Michigan-specific programs, to support permitting strategies and successful approvals.

• Wetland and natural resource expertise: conduct and oversee wetland delineations, functional assessments, impact assessments, mitigation planning, and construction monitoring activities. 

• Leadership and office support: contribute to leadership efforts in Barr’s Michigan offices, including strategic planning, staff development, and recruiting initiatives. 

• Team mentorship and development: guide and support junior staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment. 

About the opportunity  

• Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of Barr's Grand Rapids, Michigan, office. 

About you – required core competencies 

• Education: bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resources management, biology, or a related field. 

• Technical Experience: 15+ years of direct, relevant experience in environmental permitting, review, and compliance.

  • Expertise with State of Michigan and federal environmental review and permitting processes, including NREPA Part 303—Wetlands Protection, Part 301—Inland Lakes and Streams, and Part 31—Floodplains. 

  • Experience with State of Michigan and federal environmental review and permitting processes, for NREPA Part 323–Shorelands Protection, Part 325–Great Lakes Bottomlands, and Part 353–Sand Dunes Protection.

  • Expertise in conducting and overseeing wetland delineations, impact assessments, and mitigation planning for a variety of project sizes and complexities, ranging from large industrial clients to small individual landowners.

  • Applied knowledge of state and federal wetland, stream (including MiSQT applications), and endangered species programs.

  • Experience managing projects (i.e., forming teams, overseeing work execution, monitoring and controlling cost and schedule, implementing quality assurance and quality control, and stakeholder communications).

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with project team members and clients. 

• Demonstrated ability to prepare and implement business development strategies. 

• Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required) 

• Advanced degree or specialized expertise in ecology, natural resources, or related disciplines.  

• Experience with project contracting or construction oversight.  

• Experience negotiating with regulatory agencies.  

• Experience with stormwater management, permitting, and compliance. 

• Experience with the NEPA environmental review process. 

• Experience with lake management including water quality and invasive species management. 

• Ability to perform avian surveys (visual and auditory bird identification). 

• Familiarity with GIS or CAD tools (e.g., ArcGIS, Collector) and GPS units.  

Compensation: anticipated range of $125,000–$150,000 salary. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as Exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

#LI-Hybrid 

Benefits - what we offer

We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care

• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock

• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders

• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities

• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave

• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.

To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture

Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.