Rail Environmental Permitting Specialist

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Rail Environmental Permitting Specialist to join our Minneapolis-based environmental team. This position will support a variety of transportation, municipal, utility, energy, and private development projects throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineations, natural resource assessments, and environmental permitting. This role requires a strong understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations, the ability to coordinate with regulatory agencies, and experience supporting multidisciplinary project teams from planning through construction.

Key Responsibilities

Wetland and Natural Resource Services

• Conduct wetland delineations in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements.

• Prepare wetland delineation reports, figures, and technical documentation.

• Perform vegetation, habitat, and natural resource field assessments.

• Support wetland mitigation planning, restoration, and monitoring activities.

• Conduct field investigations and environmental surveys in varying terrain and weather conditions.

Environmental Permitting

• Prepare and manage environmental permit applications and approvals for public and private sector projects.

• Coordinate permitting efforts with agencies, including:

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

• State permitting agencies

• Watershed Management Organizations

• Local governments and municipalities

• Evaluate project impacts and develop avoidance, minimization, and mitigation strategies.

• Track permit conditions and support permit compliance during project implementation.

Project Delivery

• Collaborate with engineers, planners, scientists, and project managers.

• Support proposal development, scope preparation, and cost estimates.

• Manage tasks, schedules, and budgets for assigned projects.

• Prepare technical memoranda, reports, permit applications, and regulatory correspondence.

• Participate in client and agency meetings.

Key Competencies

• Technical expertise in wetland ecology and regulations.

• Regulatory agency coordination.

• Project management and organization.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Attention to detail and quality assurance.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, or a related field.

• 4-8+ years of professional experience in wetland science and environmental permitting.

• Demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineations in Minnesota.

• Working knowledge of:

• Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting

• Section 401 Water Quality Certification

• Environmental permitting processes

• Experience preparing technical reports and permit applications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and willingness to perform fieldwork throughout Minnesota and the greater Midwest.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform fieldwork in wetlands, streams, wooded areas, and construction sites.

• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds of field equipment.

• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.

Ideally you'll also have

• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification or ability to obtain.

• Experience with NEPA environmental documentation.

• Experience supporting transportation, utility, renewable energy, or municipal infrastructure projects.

• GIS proficiency (ArcGIS Pro preferred).

• Knowledge of threatened and endangered species review processes.

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Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.