Chemical Engineer/Environmental Engineer – Entry Level - Permitting and Compliance Focus

The role – what you’ll do 

We are seeking a motivated and skilled chemical or environmental engineer to join Barr’s permitting and compliance consulting team. Our team helps clients determine which environmental regulations apply to their facilities and operations and what is required for their facilities to attain and remain in compliance. We assist clients with permitting projects for new facilities, expansions, renovations, or operational changes.

The selected candidate will work on diverse, fast-paced, and challenging projects, providing environmental support to clients in the fuels, mining, manufacturing, and power industries. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise and regulatory knowledge gathered from your degree to develop solutions that allow clients to maintain flexibility and profitability while complying with environmental regulations related to air, water, and waste.

A successful candidate in this role is intrinsically motivated and has an interest in building a career in environmental consulting. They are driven by solving complex problems and are adaptable to team and client needs. They are also curious, detail-oriented, proactive in communicating questions and progress, and interested in developing strong working relationships across project teams, clients, and practice areas.

Your impact – key responsibilities 

• Interpret environmental regulations related to air, water, and waste.

• Calculate emissions and/or discharges and develop compliance strategies.

• Support the development of practical compliance strategies for industrial clients.

• Prepare regulatory and technical analysis memos.

• Prepare routine compliance submittals and develop compliance tools.

• Compile information for environmental permit applications.

• Strategize to avoid or minimize impacts on resources.

• Communicate questions, progress, and potential issues early and clearly with project teams.

• Provide on-site client support as needed (may require out-of-town travel).

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 is based out of Barr's Duluth, Minnesota, office.

• Travel expectation: up to 10% of your time; varies based on project and client needs.

• Work environment: some work locations may feature rough terrain typical of construction sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Safety training will be provided. 

About you – required core competencies 

• Education: bachelor's degree in chemical or environmental engineering or a related scientific degree.

• Experience: minimum five months total of internship, co-op, or post-college professional experience in industry, an environmental agency, or environmental consulting.

  • Ability to manage multiple assignments, communicate priorities, and schedule constraints, while navigating ambiguous projects.

  • Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and willingness to seek feedback.

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

  • Strong technical and problem-solving skills, including attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness.

  • Demonstrated leadership skills.

  • Strong computer skills, including use of spreadsheets and responsible use of AI-assisted tools, with the ability to review, verify, and apply professional judgment to AI-generated outputs.

• Travel: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs.

• 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)

• High level of proficiency working in data systems and analyzing large sets of data.

• Experience working with regulations and environmental permitting.

• Project or task management skills.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in building working relationships across multi-dimensional teams.

To be considered, please submit both your resume and a cover letter answering each of the following questions:

• In this role, consultants navigate the intersection of environmental regulations, facility operations, and practical solutions for clients. What appeals to you about helping clients evaluate options and develop compliant, practical solutions as a consultant rather than working in industry or as a regulator?

• Barr’s consulting model provides opportunities to build your own career path over time through strong project work, relationship-building, feedback, and initiative. What makes you equipped to thrive in this type of environment?

Compensation: anticipated range of $73,000–$83,000 annually. 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 #Handshake

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.