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Environmental and Permitting Specialist

Denver, CO

Company Description

We are Olsson, a team-based, purpose-driven engineering and design firm. Our solutions improve communities, and our people make it possible.

Our most meaningful asset is our people, and we are dedicated to providing an environment where they can continue to learn, grow, and thrive. Our entrepreneurial spirit is what has allowed us — and will continue to allow us — to grow. The result? Inspired people, amazing designs, and projects with purpose.

Job Description

At Olsson, we help our clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes with ease. We ensure proactive compliance with key environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Our approach and use of the latest and best methods help clients achieve their project goals while protecting our natural resources.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Environmental and Permitting Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will lead natural resource evaluations and permitting efforts, including developing strategies for large, complex projects. Responsibilities include coordinating fieldwork and reporting, report writing, providing technical guidance to staff, and engaging proactively with clients, stakeholders, and contractors. You will also manage budgets, invoicing, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery.

The ideal candidate will have established relationships with local, state, and federal permitting agencies, experience with NEPA planning and compliance, and a strong understanding of key environmental programs such as:

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404/10
  • Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service special use permits
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife High Priority Habitat considerations
  • Wetlands and other natural resource investigations
  • County/1041 permitting (especially in Colorado), ROW, access, ditch, and railroad permitting

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Prepare scope and fee packages, proposals, and technical reports
  • Lead permitting efforts at federal, state, and local levels; provide technical oversight and review deliverables
  • Interpret regulations to inform project design and identify strategic permitting pathways
  • Coordinate permit applications and project tasks to meet deadlines
  • Manage projects and teams, ensuring effective communication and day-to-day oversight
  • Present to small and large groups including regulators and members of the public

We have one current opening and will consider candidates interested in being located out of our Denver, CO office location. This role offers a hybrid work environment. 

Qualifications

You are passionate about:

  • Working collaboratively with others
  • Having ownership in the work you do
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with professional networks, clients, and jurisdictional authorities
  • Continuous learning to expand regulatory expertise
  • Excelling in a dynamic environment

You bring to the team:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to contribute and work well with a team
  • Bachelor’s degree in planning, biology, ecology, soils, environmental science, environmental policy, natural resource management, or related field
  • Minimum of 6 years of experience in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance
  • Proficiency in interpreting site plans, topographic maps, aerial photographs, and other mapping resources
  • Comprehensive understanding of county/1041 regulations, city/town/county permit processes, ROW, access, ditch, railroad, and similar permitting with authorities with jurisdiction (AJDs)
  • Demonstrated capacity to work independently, lead staff, and manage projects with a client-focused mindset
  • Business acumen, a strong work ethic, and excellent problem solving-abilities
  • Exceptional ability to communicate across written and spoken mediums

#LI-AA1 #LI-Hybrid 

The posted salary range for this position is commensurate with experience relative to the position.

Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, education, and internal equity.

Colorado Pay Range

$80,000 - $140,000 USD

Additional Information

Olsson is a nationally recognized, employee-owned firm specializing in planning and design, engineering, field services, environmental, and technology. Founded in 1956 on the very mindset that drives us today, we’re here to improve communities by making them more sustainable, better connected, and more efficient. Simply put, we work to leave the world better than we found it.

As an Olsson employee, you’ll receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.), plus you’ll:

  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Receive an excellent 401(k) match
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
  • Benefit from a bonus system that rewards performance
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements

Please note: The benefits listed above apply to full-time employees. If you're applying for an internship, you can learn more about internship-specific offerings and experiences at Olsson by visiting https://www.olsson.com/internships.

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

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