Environmental Permitting Specialist/Ecologist

Environmental Permitting Specialist/Ecologist

BEM Systems, Inc. (BEM) provides comprehensive environmental consulting services for a diversity of projects and clients, who range from federal, state, and local government agencies to small businesses and single-family homeowners.  We are a small to mid-sized firm, which means the selected candidate will have an opportunity to contribute meaningfully within a team-oriented environment while gaining invaluable exposure to the variety of services that make up the environmental consulting industry.  The Environmental Permitting Specialist/Ecologist will perform an interdisciplinary role focused on technical proficiency and task management.  Some project management experience is a plus but not required for candidates with strong technical capabilities. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for the preparation of work products, including land use permit applications, natural resource studies, wetland delineations, development planning studies, and environmental assessments.  Experience with threatened and endangered species habitat assessments and species-specific studies is a plus. 

Projects are primarily located in the New Jersey/New York metro region and will involve field work, as needed.  This is a flexible hybrid position; however, occasional office time, in-person meetings, and field work are required.  The selected candidate will be based out of our Madison, New Jersey office. 

Job Description

We are seeking candidates with knowledge and understanding of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting processes and regulations, including the NJDEP Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act Rules, NJDEP Flood Hazard Area Control Act Rules, NJDEP Coastal Zone Management Rules, and the Nationwide and Individual Permit requirements under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Sections 9 and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act.  Experience with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), United States Coast Guard (USCG), NJ Pinelands Commission (Pinelands), Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission (DRCC), and/or New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), etc., is a plus.

A significant portion of our work is in the transportation, facilities, and construction industry.  The candidate will be assigned tasks related to preparation of technical reports and specifications, reviewing construction plans, conducting feasibility studies, preparing permit applications, and interpreting federal, state and local agency regulations. 

The position requires an individual who can lead freshwater wetlands delineations using the 1989 Federal Manual.  Experience performing threatened and endangered species habitat assessments and species-specific studies, according to the applicable NJDEP and/or United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) methodologies, is a plus and may be substituted for experience performing freshwater wetlands delineations. 

Preferred candidates may have experience performing environmental assessments according to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), New Jersey Executive Order No. 215 (EO215), New York State Environmental Quality Review (NYSEQR), and/or New York City Environmental Quality Review (NYCEQR) processes.

The candidate must have strong written and oral communication skills, be self-motivated, and demonstrate proficiency with the technical and task management skills associated with the job description.

Principal Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Performs technical studies and analysis
• Works with client and other disciplines to perform analysis and prepare deliverables, as dictated by the scope of work
• Collects, organizes, and analyzes data
• Responds to technical review comments
• Assess impacts and mitigation measures
• Prepares reports and permit applications
• Provides input for proposals and pursuit of new projects
• Organizes public and agency meetings

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental planning, Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Natural Resources Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 4-8 years of relevant experience in preparation of environmental permits and environmental assessments regulated under NJDEP, USACE, NEPA, EO215, USGS, DRCC, Pinelands, NJSEA, NYSDEC, NYSEQR, NYCEQR, etc.
• Ability to lead freshwater wetlands delineations and/or threatened and endangered species habitat assessments and species-specific studies.
• Applicants who have some, but not all, of the requested experience are encouraged to apply.

Abilities and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of jurisdictional regulatory requirements related to waters, flood hazard areas, wetlands, coastal areas, land use, threatened and endangered species, and permitting/approvals.
• Experience with the NEPA, EO215, NYSEQR, and/or NYCEQR environmental review processes and associated rules and regulations for capital improvement projects.
• Detail oriented, organized, and a team player with a strong focus on quality and client service.
• Excellent written, oral, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency reviewing and interpreting environmental regulations.
• Flexible work schedule with ability to work remotely.  Ability to attend in-person meetings and perform field work, as needed, in the NJ/NY metro area required.
• Field experience with wetlands, riparian zones, T&E studies, construction oversight is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

WHAT YOU’LL GET

As a member of the BEM/Aventia Team, you are eligible to participate in our comprehensive compensation package including:

· A competitive annual salary based upon the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

· Participation in our matching 401(k) Savings Plan

· Medical, dental, and vision coverage

· Employer paid life and disability insurances.

· Nine paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO).

· Continuing education and professional development opportunities

SOUNDS LIKE YOU?

To apply, please apply!