Lead Environmental Planner

Office Location: Any Apex Office (Fargo, Bismarck, Dickinson, Minot, ND or Detroit Lakes, St. Cloud, Minnetonka, MN) / Remote Location also considered. The location of this position is flexible and can be performed from any of our Apex offices or remotely within 100 miles of our ND Offices. The candidate will be expected to attend in person key business, client, and project related meetings, including personnel meetings if they are a direct supervisor. This person will report directly to the Transportation Sector Leader. This position is considered a strategic hire and will provide an opportunity to build an environmental team by expanding services to public and private clients. Key responsibilities will include being involved with technical work for transportation and water projects requiring NEPA documentation, threatened and endangered species assessments, public agency coordination, permitting, and wetland delineation/mitigation. This position will also require participating in the development of new opportunities, preparing effective technical proposals and active collaboration on projects with other project managers.

Essential Tasks and Duties:

• Preparing NEPA documentation for projects including Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements and Categorical Exclusions.
• Participate in business development and marketing activities related to environmental work with existing clients and potential new clients.
• Prepares technical proposals for project pursuits with other project managers and market leaders.
• Contributes to project pursuit efforts by participating in interviews for specific projects that have a heavy need for environmental planning.
• Preparing permits related to the Clean Water Act Sections 10/404 (Corps) and 401 Water Quality Certifications and USFWS Section 7 Consultation.
• Review field and office wetland delineations and review jurisdictional determinations by agencies.
• Participate in transportation team, management, and company staff meetings and seminars when appropriate.
• Assists with the development of budgets for planning work.
• Responsible for hiring and recruiting other environmental staff as needed and approved by the Sector Leader.
• Effective communication skills with the public will be required in settings such as public meetings, informational meetings, construction notifications, etc.
• This position will require the initiative to think independently and make rational judgment calls.
• Understand and follow company employee handbook and mandated safety policies.
• Perform responsibilities in a conscientious, legal and ethical manner with a strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Participate in professional organizations and community leadership programs.
• Travel and out of town stays may be required; may work overtime especially during deadlines for submittals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in planning, natural resource management, environmental science, biological science, ecology or related field.
• 5+ years of environmental planning and permitting experience requiring knowledge with NEPA document preparation and environmental permitting.
• Experience with transportation projects and public agencies located in North Dakota and Minnesota is preferred.
• Specialized experience authoring Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements is preferred.
• Proficient using Microsoft Windows/Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must be detail orientated, self-motivated with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• A valid driver’s license is required or the ability to obtain one.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to operate a computer under normal ergonomic office conditions.
• Required to occasionally work in an outdoors environment.
• Required to lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Must work scheduled hours in the office or onsite for projects.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits:

1. Performance-based bonuses
2. Health, dental, and vision insurance
3. Life insurance
4. 401(k) plan with employer match and profit-sharing contribution
5. Paid parental leave
6. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
7. Paid time off
8. Short- and long-term disability coverage
9. Employee wellness program

Base Salary Pay Range: $90k - $130k (Actual base pay is dependent on several factors, including experience, education, licensure, job location, and internal equity.)

EOE/AA