Environmental Permitting Specialist - WI

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Environmental Permitting Specialist to work closely with our current clients and project team(s) managing and permitting a variety of utility infrastructure projects located in the Upper Midwest, primarily in the State of Wisconsin. These projects include linear facilities (natural gas, electric, etc.) and stand-alone facilities (renewable generation, substations, etc.). Projects will range from quick-turn operations and maintenance projects to multi-year, large-scale projects with complex schedules and deadlines.

This position will have the flexibility to work from Merjent's Minneapolis Office, Wisconsin Office, or remotely from a home office for professionals who can work successfully in a remote work environment. The anticipated salary for this full-time position is between $87,600 and $119,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

The position requires regular coordination with client and internal project teams. The role requires leadership of project reviews and permit assessments, ability to apply for and obtain necessary environmental permits and approvals, and to ensure project compliance. As a part of this requirement, the selected applicant would coordinate with Merjent's resource specialists to complete necessary field surveys, specialty resource reviews, GIS deliverables, and other project-specific needs. To satisfy these requirements, the position requires technical knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations applicable to utility and energy projects in Wisconsin.

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States who may choose a remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangement. All full-time employees begin their tenure at Merjent with 4 weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and a generous benefits and compensation package. Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

Responsibilities of the Environmental Permitting Specialist may include the following and other related tasks:

• Manage a variety of utility infrastructure projects for client(s) that operate in the State of Wisconsin.
• Review and prepare necessary environmental permit applications for a variety of federal, state, and local (city, village, town, and county) authorizations, including wetland, waterway, erosion control/storm water, shoreland zoning, and floodplain zoning project impacts.
• Ensure clients and projects receive effective and successful environmental guidance, obtain necessary permits and approvals (federal, state, and local), and remain in compliance with laws and regulations applicable to the state working and operating in.
• Coordinate with internal project teams(s) and/or subcontractors to complete field surveys, necessary resource reviews, GIS deliverables, and other project-specific needs.
• Develop proposals, scopes, and budgets to respond to business opportunities. Actively participate in client and agency meeting as required to support the permitting process.
• Work with internal and external clients to maintain Merjent's reputation for excellence and integrity.
• Build and maintain client contacts and actively seek business development opportunities.
• Serve as a mentor to junior staff.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and experience:

• B.A. or B.S. in environmental science, biology, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of utility-focused environmental permitting experience in Wisconsin, including demonstrated success working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Historic Preservation Office, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, and local units of government.
• Strong self-starter tendencies and excellent organizational/task management skills.
• Experience managing and coordinating interdisciplinary teams and workload.
• Able to multi-task; adapt quickly; work well under pressure, both in large teams and one-on-one; and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to analyze, organize, and interpret data from multiple sources and translate that information into direct, easy to understand written deliverables.
• Desire to work as a part of a project team and to management projects or tasks independently.
• Must be detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral communication and above average technical writing skills with the ability to write and edit descriptive and technically accurate specifications and reports.
• Effective communication skills with internal team, external clients, subconsultants, and government agency representatives.
• Experience building relationships in the energy industry and regulatory community.
• Experience managing multiple projects and budgets, and meeting deadline effectively.
• Advanced working knowledge of the Microsoft suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); technical editing and ArcGIS experience a plus.
• Must be willing to travel as needed (0-20%), depending on the needs of the project. Some field work may be required depending on background and/or interest.

Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment to merjent.applicantpro.com.

Merjent, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.