Natural Resources Specialist

Join Blackwater, a dynamic and growing woman-owned environmental planning firm, as our Natural Resources Specialist ! We're on the hunt for a passionate, motivated, and driven professional to play a key role in expanding our services. With high growth potential, it's more than a job—it's a launchpad for your career!

This is a full-time, hybrid position following an initial onboarding period—offering the flexibility you need and the opportunity you deserve. Come be part of a team that values your expertise, fuels your ambition, and celebrates your success!

Basic Roles

• Coordinate natural resource regulatory compliance for infrastructure projects
• Lead and perform field investigations, including wetland and stream delineations, forest stand delineations, natural resource inventories, and analyze data collected
• Review project descriptions and plans to determine how natural resources may be affected by infrastructure projects and make recommendations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate project impacts
• Prepare technical reports documenting methodologies and findings of research and field investigations and develop related National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation
• Conduct regulatory agency coordination to seek input and obtain approval of impacts to regulated natural resources
• Prepare agency consultation documentation and permit applications
• Apply for regulatory approvals for field delineations and adjust wetland delineations as necessary to obtain approval
• Support our natural resource related business and proposal development

Minimum Requirements & Essential Skills

• B.A. or B.S. degree in environmental planning, biological or physical sciences
• At least 5 years of relevant consulting and / or regulatory agency experience
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with technical writing, as well as reviewing and proofreading of materials for content, grammar, and style
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Working knowledge of county, state (primarily Maryland and Virginia), and federal environmental regulations such as those pertaining to Sections 401 / 404 of the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Maryland Forest Conservation Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Law, and similar laws and regulations
• Ability to collect and analyze data, identify plants, and describe soil conditions
• Possess a strong understanding of ecological principles, including wetland and forest ecology and how natural systems work
• Experience working with regulatory agencies such as USACE, MDE, MDNR, etc.
• Basic level GIS mapping and analysis skills
• Ability to work outdoors for long periods, carrying equipment up to 40 pounds, and performing physical labor

Preferred Education, Skills, & Experience

• Field identification of rare, threatened, and endangered species
• Preparation of reforestation plans, wetland mitigation plans, and / or stream restoration plans
• Basic level MicroStation and / or AutoCAD experience
• Certifications such as Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), qualified professional status under DNR's Forest Service, etc.

Salary Range

$74,800 to $125,000 annually

• ?Blackwater offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience; a benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; company paid short-term disability and life insurance; paid time off and a 401k retirement plan with company matching. Blackwater also offers professional development compensation including certifications, advanced education courses, and training. To learn more about Blackwater, please visit our website at www.blackwaterenvironmentalgroup.com

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter to Julie Newman at julie@blackwaterenvironmentalgroup.com

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• ?Blackwater Environmental Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.