Environmental Planner/Permitting Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:  

The Energy and Environment group is seeking an Environmental Planner/Permitting Specialist to work in our Finger Lakes office. The Energy and Environment group conducts surveys and evaluations of terrestrial and natural resources for a variety of public and private projects within the Mid-Atlantic region, evaluates regulatory requirements, prepares required permit and license applications, and provides strategy planning to projects throughout design development. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Preparing scientific reports, permit application documents, environmental impact assessments, and compliance evaluations.
• Review and interpret land development and environmental regulations, e.g., local zoning codes, NJDEP/NYSDEC environmental regulations, etc. 
• Assist in field surveys and data collection efforts such as land use inventories, wetland delineations, or rare species surveys.
• Collect, identify, and compile environmental data from multiple sources for project-related research, surveys, and reports and applications.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS data, and other visualization tools to determine environmental site impact, land use and other site characteristics.
• Prepare visualizations such as tables, charts, models, infographics, and figures for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Assist with preparing land use applications and representing clients in the zoning entitlement process with local jurisdictions.
• Participate in public involvement and consensus-building meetings in support of client project work.
• Prepare drafts of technical memos, meeting minutes, transmittals, presentations, and other written materials summarizing research with findings and conclusions.
• Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of facts and data obtained during field and site investigations
• Assist with reading, interpreting, composing, and reviewing Planning Reports, Categorical Exclusions, EA’s, EISs, and other technical documents.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental resources, environmental planning, natural resources, environmental engineering, and/or a related field.
• 0 to 3 years of experience (energy sector).
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to take ownership of job responsibilities and see them through completion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft business software including Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Ability to be flexible, learn quickly, and work as part of a project team.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Familiarity with computer aided drafting and Geographic Information System software is a plus.
• Position will entail occasional field work, with the potential for overnight travel ranging from several days to a week. 

Compensation

Compensation will range from $68K - $74K, and commensurate with experience.

Why Work at AKRF

Founded in 1981, AKRF is an award-winning consulting firm with 400 planners, engineers, designers, economists, ecologists, geologists, historians, archaeologists, acousticians, and many other types of professionals guided by the belief that to be original is to be transformative. 

Professionals join and remain at AKRF for our corporate-casual environment that values flexible work schedules and locations, and balances award-winning projects with social impact initiatives, charitable giving, and plenty of fun and games. We foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where employees are respected and valued in honor of their identities; we strive to deliver on this promise every day. Our cookie exchanges and ice cream socials are quite the treat. 

What We Offer

• We provide employees with a benefit package that reflects our respect for your workplace contributions, professional goals, and personal priorities. The benefits program at AKRF includes:
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Vacation and Sick time
• Flexible work schedules and locations
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Training and professional development courses
• Opportunities for community outreach through internal networks
• Charitable donation match
• Transit/parking program

Work Authorization Disclaimer 

Applicants should be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time they apply. Please note that AKRF is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position, now or in the future.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon verification of authorization to work in the United States, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Equal Opportunity Company

AKRF enforces a policy of equal employment opportunity in our daily operations. The firm has a demonstrated history of hiring, training, developing, promoting and retaining minority group members and women. All employment-related decisions are based solely on relevant criteria and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, caregiver status, military/veteran status or citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.