Ecologist – Senior Level

The role – what you’ll do

Barr is seeking an ecologist to join our Minneapolis team. The person in this position will work with clients and project teams on water resources, civil and environmental engineering, and related technical assignments. This person will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and other Barr staff members as well as regulatory staff and clients. They will help clients meet ecological and regulatory constraints and prepare applications and reports required for project permitting, implementation, and mitigation of natural resource impacts.

A successful person in this role will have strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and a flexible working style with the ability to work independently and with teams of specialists to meet client and project needs.

Your impact – key responsibilities

• Wetland delineation: oversee wetland delineations, inventories, and functional assessments.

• Report writing: perform botanical and wildlife surveys, perform threatened and endangered species reviews, and prepare environmental impact assessments.

• Permitting: develop permit applications.

• Project management: assist with planning, coordinating, and executing projects. Help ensure project milestones are met and provide regular updates to project managers and clients.

• Client Relationships: develop and maintain client relationships and work with permitting agencies and public officials.

About the opportunity

• Travel requirement: up to 20 percent domestic field/on-site work.

• Compensation: anticipated range of $80,000–105,000/year. 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.

• 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 is based out of Barr's Minneapolis, Minnesota, office. 

• Work environment: ability to work in locations that have rough terrain typical of construction/manufacturing/rural outdoor sites with limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities.

About you – required core competencies

• Education: bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, hydrology, soil science, or a similar natural resources field.

• Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience.

  • Knowledge of and experience with Minnesota state and federal regulations and permitting processes, including wetland delineation, permitting (Minnesota WCA, Minnesota Work in Public Waters, and Section 404), and mitigation.

  • Knowledge of and experience with wetland restoration design, construction, and restoration project contracting and management.

  • Knowledge of state and federal protected species programs.

  • Experience in collaborating and negotiating with local, state, and federal regulators.

• 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 and/or specialized experience in ecology or other natural resources field.

• Experience with managing and leading project teams.

• Proficiency with GIS tools.

#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.