The role – what you’ll do
Barr is seeking an environmental engineer to join one of our Michigan offices. In this hybrid role, you will support the Assessment and Remediation business unit. Assignments may include working as an individual or as part of a project team to assist with preparing technical work plans, cost estimates, and contracting for investigations of contaminated soil, sediment, groundwater, and soil gas; interpreting data; performing technology evaluations; developing remediation and reclamation strategies and designs; coordinating bench- to field-scale technology demonstration tests; completing feasibility studies; preparing plans and specifications; and writing technical reports.
Other responsibilities may include on-site investigations of contaminated soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, and soil gas; treatment system monitoring and evaluation; construction observation; and work focused on water and wastewater treatment facilities for industrial and municipal clients. Fieldwork opportunities for this position may occur year-round and will likely include some out-of-town travel.
The ideal candidate for this position is a clear and confident communicator who thrives in collaborative and independent work environments. They are adaptable, organized, and proactive, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They bring a high level of attention to detail and take ownership of their work in dynamic and sometimes challenging conditions. For more experienced candidates, leadership, mentoring, and the ability to build strong client relationships are also important. Above all, they value teamwork, quality, and integrity in delivering impactful environmental solutions.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Technical knowledge: apply technical expertise to conduct site investigations, assess contaminated media, and design remediation systems based on environmental data and feasibility evaluations.
Project management: coordinate field activities, contractor oversight, and technology implementation to ensure project milestones, quality, and performance goals are consistently met.
Problem solving: evaluate complex site conditions and regulatory requirements to develop effective, tailored remediation strategies and navigate permitting challenges.
Communication: prepare clear, compliant technical documentation and effectively communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Interpersonal savvy: collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to align technical work with project objectives while fostering strong, productive working relationships.
About the opportunity
Hybrid: 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 can be based out of Barr's Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan, offices.
Travel expectation: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs (including up to 15% travel and up to 30% fieldwork expected; project needs will vary seasonally and over time).
Work environment: ability to work in locations that may feature rough terrain typical of construction sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Job assignments may involve work on waste disposal sites and sites requiring cleanup of hazardous materials. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required. Safety training will be provided. Applicants may be asked to participate in a drug screening program at the request of specific clients. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical requirements for the role include:
Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying outdoor conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, uneven terrain).
Must be able to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Capable of standing, walking, kneeling, or crouching for extended periods.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by site conditions.
Ability to safely operate or work around environmental monitoring and sampling equipment.
Must be able to work individually in remote locations.
Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
About you – required core competencies
Education: bachelor’s degree in environmental, civil, geological, or chemical engineering, or a related engineering degree.
Experience: 7 or more years of relevant experience.
Licenses/certifications: registered Professional Engineer or ability to become registered within one year.
Software: strong computer skills, including word processing and use of spreadsheets. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future
Helpful additional experience (not required)
Master’s degree in environmental, civil, geological, or chemical engineering or related disciplines.
Previous consulting experience.
40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification.
Project management and leadership experience with complex projects.
Experience conducting communications, meetings, and negotiations with clients and regulatory and agency personnel.
Experience with staff mentoring, building client relationships, and business development.
Compensation: anticipated range of $80,000–$100,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on 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. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
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Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
