Senior Geologist/Project Manager

Job Summary:

The Senior Geologist/Project Manager will lead the preparation, submission, and management of environmental permits for projects in Arizona and beyond, with a primary focus on AZPDES (Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits for discharges to surface waters (including stormwater, wastewater, and industrial discharges), Section 404 permits under the Clean Water Act for dredge and fill activities in waters of the U.S. (administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), and other related federal, state, and local environmental permits. This leadership role involves overseeing permitting strategies, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and serving as the primary point of contact with agencies such as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and EPA. The position requires deep expertise in Clean Water Act regulations, strong project management skills, and the ability to navigate complex permitting processes for infrastructure, development, mining, energy, or industrial projects while minimizing environmental impacts and supporting project timelines.

Duties:

• Lead the preparation, compilation, and submission of AZPDES individual and general permits (e.g., for municipal, industrial, construction stormwater, and MS4 discharges), including completing required forms (Form 1, Form 2A/2S), developing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), and ensuring compliance with ADEQ requirements.
• Manage Section 404 permitting processes, including jurisdictional determinations, pre-application consultations with USACE, preparation of permit applications, alternatives analyses, mitigation plans, and coordination for individual or nationwide/general permits involving dredge/fill in wetlands or waters of the U.S.
• Oversee additional environmental permitting efforts, such as Section 401 Water Quality Certifications, Aquifer Protection Permits (APP), NEPA compliance support, endangered species consultations, and other state/local permits as needed.
• Develop and implement permitting strategies, timelines, and budgets; identify potential regulatory risks and recommend avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures.
• Serve as lead technical expert and point of contact for regulatory agencies; prepare for and participate in pre-application meetings, public notices, hearings, and agency negotiations.
• Coordinate with internal teams (engineers, biologists, hydrologists, project managers) and external consultants to gather data, conduct environmental assessments, and prepare supporting documentation (e.g., wetland delineations, biological surveys, water quality modeling).
• Review and interpret federal (Clean Water Act, NEPA) and Arizona-specific regulations; stay current on updates to AZPDES, Section 404 guidelines, and related policies.
• Mentor junior staff on permitting processes, regulatory compliance, and best practices

Education/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (required) in Geology, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree in a relevant discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in environmental permitting, with at least 10 years in a senior or lead role managing complex permitting projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in Clean Water Act programs, particularly AZPDES/NPDES permitting (stormwater, wastewater discharges) and USACE Section 404 permitting (wetlands, dredge/fill).
• Proven track record leading permit applications for large-scale projects in Arizona or similar arid/southwestern environments (e.g., infrastructure, mining, energy, development).
• Strong knowledge of federal and Arizona environmental regulations, including ADEQ processes, USACE permitting procedures, and related requirements (e.g., mitigation banking, jurisdictional determinations).
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills, with experience preparing technical reports, permit applications, and presenting to stakeholders/agencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with GIS tools for mapping and analysis preferred.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Professional certification preferred, such as: Registered Geologist or Professional Engineer Certified Wetland Scientist (CWS) or Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) through the Society of Wetland Scientists.
• Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) or similar.
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Valid driver's license required, with ability to travel to project sites and agency meetings as needed.
• Other relevant certifications (e.g., stormwater inspector training, wetland delineation courses) are a plus.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated based on their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such people will be hired based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.