Job Description:

Summary: 

The person in this position will work on ecological analysis and design projects involving streams and wetlands plus other potential resources and natural features such as woodlands, lakes, shorelines, and sand dunes. Work will largely be completed to help clients address requirements under ecological regulations including local community zoning ordinances, Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (such as Parts 301, 303, 325, and 353), and the U.S. Clean Water Act (Part 404) through stream restoration (such as channel naturalizing, daylighting, and/or dam removal) and wetland restoration (such as re-establishing historically drained wetlands). The work will include characterizing environmental resources, performing impact and mitigation assessments, preparing design documents, and supporting project permitting, construction, and post-construction compliance monitoring.  

 

Working as an individual or as part of a project team, assignments are expected to include site inspections and field data collection; stream characterization (including fluvial geomorphology analysis and use of the Michigan stream quantification tool [MiSQT]); supporting hydrologic assessments and water balances; performing resource impact analyses and mitigation strategy planning; preparation of design basis documentation; natural stream channel design; landscape and natural plant community design including stream and wetland restoration plans; surface water control and stormwater management design; preparation of plans and technical specifications; creation of erosion protection plans; construction observation; and reporting. Work will also include supporting project permitting and communicating with clients, permitting agencies, and public officials.   

  
Minimum Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, natural resource management, ecology, or other related degree from an accredited program

Michigan landscape architect license (or the ability to become licensed in Michigan within one year)

Professional experience in ecological design

Experience preparing construction plans including grading, planting plans, sections, and details

Experience writing technical specifications

Experience working and communicating with construction contractors and performing construction observation services

Proficiency with AutoCAD

Exceptional organizational skills

Self-driven and independently motivated to manage multiple tasks with a strong attention to detail with minimal guidance or direction

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

Ability to work in a fast-paced, client-driven environment and to manage teams/commitments across many different clients and projects

A flexible working style and ability to work with teams of specialists to meet project needs

Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship from Barr, now or in the future

Possession of a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record 

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Master's or other advanced degree in landscape architecture, natural resource management, ecology, or other related degree from an accredited program

Advanced professional development training for wetland and/or stream restoration practices, including natural stream channel design

5+ years of professional experience in ecological design

Experience with green infrastructure design

Experience with sustainable landscape architectural practices

Experience conducting wetland impact assessments and restoration/wetland mitigation design, including identification and evaluation of potential restoration opportunities

Experience performing stream geomorphic surveys and field assessments

Experience conducting stream characterization, applying MiSQT to determine loss of functional feet, designing stream mitigation and calculating the functional lift achieved with the MiSQT, and preparing plans and specifications for stream restoration/mitigation construction 

Experience performing vegetation surveys and ecological quality assessments, developing native seed mixes, and preparing ecological restoration plans

Planting design experience and knowledge of local planting techniques and species

Experience communicating with clients and advising on strategies to effectively navigate and meet environmental and ecological regulations

Experience negotiating with EGLE and other regulatory agencies (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, local municipal officials, and consultants, etc.) on behalf of clients

Experience with post-construction monitoring to document compliance with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) wetland and/or stream permits and conservation easements typically associated with Part 303 (Wetlands Protection) and Part 301 (Inland Lakes & Streams) of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA) and developing adaptive management plans as necessary to achieve client obligations. 

Experience managing complex, multi-discipline projects 

Experience with ArcGIS software 

Proficiency with artistic rendering software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign) 

Experience in creating detailed and attractive renderings, section/elevations, and diagrams for client and public presentation

Experience developing EGLE wetland and/or stream permit applications typically associated with Part 303 (Wetlands Protection) and Part 301 (Inland Lakes & Streams) of NREPA, including project descriptions and alternatives analyses.  

 

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 either of Barr's Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan, offices. 

NOTE: Must be able to work in locations that feature rough terrain typical of construction and restoration sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required. Safety training will be provided. 

#LI-Hybrid

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.