The Regional NPDES Plan Development & Permitting Lead is the firm’s senior technical authority for stormwater permitting and erosion and sediment control (ESC) plan development across the assigned region. This role is accountable for the technical quality and regulatory defensibility of NPDES and ESC deliverables from conception through to approval — including quality assurance, risk assessment, milestone deliverables, and managing scope, schedule, and budget for permitting work packages delivered on time and on budget.
Combining hands-on technical leadership with direct client and agency engagement, the Lead authors and reviews stormwater and ESC plans, drives permitting strategy, coordinates with regulatory agencies to secure approvals, and mentors junior staff. The Lead has direct communication with the client and is responsible for meeting all client expectations through to permit issuance.
What You'll Do
- Lead the development of stormwater and erosion and sediment control (ESC) plans across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring technical quality, regulatory defensibility, and timely delivery from concept through approval.
- Author and review NPDES permit applications, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), Notices of Intent (NOIs), and supporting ESC design documents.
- Serve as the firm’s regional technical authority on NPDES and ESC matters, advising clients and internal project teams on permitting strategy, sequencing, and compliance.
- Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies (EPA, state environmental agencies, conservation districts, MS4 program administrators) to submit permit applications, secure approvals, and respond to agency inquiries and comments.
- Interpret and apply construction general permits (CGPs), industrial stormwater permits, and state-specific ESC and stormwater design standards across the assigned region.
- Develop and implement technically sound, cost-effective solutions to complex stormwater and erosion control challenges, including BMP selection, drainage design coordination, and post-construction stormwater management.
- Review deliverables prepared by junior staff and subconsultants to ensure technical accuracy, code compliance, and consistency with client expectations.
- Provide direct communication with clients, delivering reports, updates, and solutions, and managing expectations through to permit issuance.
- Manage scope, schedule, and budget for NPDES and ESC work packages, tracking progress and forecasting effort, and delivering on time and on budget.
- Identify project risks, establish solutions, and escalate appropriately within internal management.
- Identify changes in scope, generate the necessary documentation, and support negotiation of change orders with the client.
- Host regular meetings with clients and internal project teams to review progress, regulatory developments, concerns, schedule, and deliverables.
- Support inspections and construction compliance, including SWPPP inspection protocols, corrective actions, and permit close-out.
- Mentor and develop junior environmental staff in stormwater design, ESC planning, and permitting practice.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting requirements, including those related to stormwater (NPDES) and erosion and sediment control.
- Follow all of Canacre’s established best practices and procedures for project delivery, quality assurance, and safety.
- Perform other duties as required.
What You'll Bring
Education
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
- Professional licensure (PE) or certification such as Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) or Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) is a strong asset.
Experience
- 5+ years of professional consulting experience focused on NPDES permitting, stormwater management, and erosion and sediment control plan development.
- Demonstrated experience preparing SWPPPs, ESC plans, NOIs, and NPDES permit applications across multiple jurisdictions.
- Experience interfacing directly with regulatory agencies to secure stormwater and construction permits.
- Experience with construction compliance, SWPPP inspections, and permit close-out.
- Prior experience mentoring or providing technical oversight to junior staff.
Knowledge / Skills
- Deep working knowledge of the Clean Water Act, NPDES program, construction general permits, and state-specific ESC and stormwater design standards.
- Proven ability to produce technically sound, defensible, and permit-ready design documents.
- Strong understanding of stormwater BMPs, hydrology, and erosion control practices.
- Proven track record of delivering projects within scope, on time, and on budget.
- Ability to manage, mentor, and lead others.
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously with minimal supervision.
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and highly organized with strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to build strong, lasting relationships with clients, agencies, and key stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office; familiarity with GIS and stormwater/civil design software is an asset.
What You'll Get
- Competitive Compensation
- Comprehensive Health Coverage - Multiple Medical, dental & vision plans with 100% preventive care
- 24/7 telehealth (Teladoc)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company-funded HSA and pre-tax savings options
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- No-cost Short- and Long-term Disability
- Employer-paid basic Life & AD&D Insurance
- Paid Time off (PTO) and 10 Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental leave
- Education Reimbursement and Professional Development
- Employee discount program and optional insurance offerings:
- Identity Theft Protection
- Accident Insurance
- Voluntary Life (spouse and child)
- Critical Illness
- Hospital Indemnity
- Pet Insurance
