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Landscape Architect/Ecological Restoration Designer - Entry Level (Hybrid)

Barr Engineering Co.
dental insurance, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, Michigan, Grand Rapids
3033 Orchard Vista Drive Southeast (Show on map)
Dec 21, 2024

Job Description:

Summary:

The person in this position will work on ecological analysis and design projects involving streams and wetlands plus other potential resources and natural features such as woodlands, lakes, shorelines, and sand dunes. Work will largely be completed to help clients address requirements under ecological regulations including local community zoning ordinances, Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (such as Parts 301, 303, 325, and 353), and the U.S. Clean Water Act (Part 404) through stream restoration (such as channel naturalizing, daylighting, and/or dam removal) and wetland restoration (such as re-establishing historically drained wetlands). The work will include characterizing environmental resources, performing impact and mitigation assessments, preparing design documents, and supporting project permitting, construction, and post-construction compliance monitoring.

Working as an individual or as part of a project team, assignments are expected to include site inspections and field data collection; stream characterization (including fluvial geomorphology analysis and use of the Michigan stream quantification tool [MiSQT]); supporting hydrologic assessments and water balances; performing resource impact analyses and mitigation strategy planning; preparation of design basis documentation; natural stream channel design; landscape and natural plant community design including stream and wetland restoration plans; surface water control and stormwater management design; preparation of plans and technical specifications; creation of erosion protection plans; construction observation; and reporting. Work will also include supporting project permitting and communicating with clients, permitting agencies, and public officials.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, natural resource management, ecology, or other related degree from an accredited program

  • Michigan landscape architect license (or the ability to become licensed in Michigan within one year)

  • Professional experience in ecological design

  • Experience preparing construction plans including grading, planting plans, sections, and details

  • Experience writing technical specifications

  • Experience working and communicating with construction contractors and performing construction observation services

  • Proficiency with AutoCAD

  • Exceptional organizational skills

  • Self-driven and independently motivated to manage multiple tasks with a strong attention to detail with minimal guidance or direction

  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with project team members, and clients

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, client-driven environment and to manage teams/commitments across many different clients and projects

  • A flexible working style and ability to work with teams of specialists to meet project needs

  • Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship from Barr, now or in the future

  • Possession of a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's or other advanced degree in landscape architecture, natural resource management, ecology, or other related degree from an accredited program

  • Advanced professional development training for wetland and/or stream restoration practices, including natural stream channel design

  • 5+ years of professional experience in ecological design

  • Experience with green infrastructure design

  • Experience with sustainable landscape architectural practices

  • Experience conducting wetland impact assessments and restoration/wetland mitigation design, including identification and evaluation of potential restoration opportunities

  • Experience performing stream geomorphic surveys and field assessments

  • Experience conducting stream characterization, applying MiSQT to determine loss of functional feet, designing stream mitigation and calculating the functional lift achieved with the MiSQT, and preparing plans and specifications for stream restoration/mitigation construction

  • Experience performing vegetation surveys and ecological quality assessments, developing native seed mixes, and preparing ecological restoration plans

  • Planting design experience and knowledge of local planting techniques and species

  • Experience communicating with clients and advising on strategies to effectively navigate and meet environmental and ecological regulations

  • Experience negotiating with EGLE and other regulatory agencies (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, local municipal officials, and consultants, etc.) on behalf of clients

  • Experience with post-construction monitoring to document compliance with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) wetland and/or stream permits and conservation easements typically associated with Part 303 (Wetlands Protection) and Part 301 (Inland Lakes & Streams) of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA) and developing adaptive management plans as necessary to achieve client obligations.

  • Experience managing complex, multi-discipline projects

  • Experience with ArcGIS software

  • Proficiency with artistic rendering software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign)

  • Experience in creating detailed and attractive renderings, section/elevations, and diagrams for client and public presentation

  • Experience developing EGLE wetland and/or stream permit applications typically associated with Part 303 (Wetlands Protection) and Part 301 (Inland Lakes & Streams) of NREPA, including project descriptions and alternatives analyses.

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 either of Barr's Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan, offices.

Compensation:
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000/year. This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Compensation will vary based upon 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. Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all its profit to our employees through our bonus plan and ESOP.

Benefits:
People report that they stay at Barr because of the camaraderie and career opportunities. Another draw is our competitive package of employee benefits, which includes professional development funding, 401(k) retirement savings plan, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) participation, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, disability and accidental death insurance, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses, paid holidays, paid time off (accrues on all hours worked), and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked). Barr's benefits package offerings include:

  • professional development funding

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

  • employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) participation, provided through profit distribution

  • cash bonus

  • medical and dental insurance

  • life insurance

  • disability and accidental death insurance

  • flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

  • paid holidays

  • paid time off

NOTE: Must be able to work in locations that feature rough terrain typical of construction and restoration sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required. Safety training will be provided.

#LI-Hybrid

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.
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