Environmental Scientist – Mid Level

The Role – What You'll Do
Barr is seeking an environmental scientist to join our team in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this hybrid role, you will support our Water Resources group with characterization of environmental resources, impact assessments, and project permitting and compliance.

A successful person in this role will have strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. They possess exceptional organizational skills, can work in a fast-paced environment, and have a flexible working style. They are also willing to occasionally modify their schedule to meet deadlines and/or client needs.

Your Impact – Key Responsibilities

• Field support: completing wetland delineations and in-field streams evaluations, protected species assessments, botanical inventories, protected species habitat reviews, and other ecological field investigations.
• Permitting: assisting with regulatory interpretation and permitting processes primarily involving the lakes, streams, and wetlands regulatory programs through the State of Michigan and the federal government.
• Regulatory knowledge: regulatory programs related to project work may include the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Part 303 (Wetlands Protection) and Part 301 (Inland Lakes & Streams) of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 1994 PA 451.
• Environmental impact and reporting: completing desktop reviews such as topography, soils, streams, land use/cover, National Wetland Inventory, and protected species databases; completing assessments to determine environmental impacts; and preparing applications and reports required for project implementation.
• Project and task management: assisting in planning, coordinating, and executing projects. Helping ensure project milestones are met and providing regular updates to project managers and clients.

About The Opportunity

• Compensation: anticipated range of $75,000–85,000 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.
• 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 Grand Rapids, Michigan, office.
• Anticipated start date: we anticipate this position starting in Spring 2026.
• Travel requirement: daily travel to field and client sites in Michigan during peak season. Up to 10 percent domestic field/on-site work involving short-term, out-of-town assignments.
• Work environment: some fieldwork locations include difficult terrain typical of backcountry (e.g., dense vegetation, fallen timber, poor footing soils, streams), roadway, and construction sites. Work may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of mining or other industrial facilities. Safety training will be provided.
• Physical requirements: walking up to 10 miles per day in extreme temperatures of up to 90+ degrees Fahrenheit.

About You – Required Core Competencies

• Education: bachelor's degree in environmental science/studies/policy, ecology, natural resources management, biology, botany, or a related natural resources field.
• Experience: 5 years of relevant experience related to the job responsibilities described above.
• Travel: ability and willingness to travel to site and client locations.
• Driver's license: must possess a valid driver's license with an 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)

• Experience conducting tree surveys to comply with municipal tree and woodland protection ordinances.
• Professional Wetland Scientist Certification.
• Experience performing stream geomorphic surveys, conducting stream characterization, and/or supporting stream mitigation and/or restoration design.
• Familiarity with CAD or GIS tools (ArcGIS, Collector, etc.).

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:

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.