Regulatory Specialist (Ecological Restoration)
Job Description
At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.
RES is looking for a Regulatory Specialist I with 0-2 years of experience for our Richmond, VA, Warrenton, VA, or Annandale, VA offices.
The mission: RES is operating in a unique and young industry. You will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape it with your work! How? Armed with the knowledge of the existing local, state, and federal environmental permitting processes, you will support the negotiation process with the agencies on the required deliverables for a variety of projects.
What your day-to-day might look like:
70% of the time you will be working on technical documents and project coordination. Working with our team consisting of project managers, ecologists, design, GIS, and construction managers, you will be drafting and compiling technical documents and reports for submittal to agency representatives. You will be applying your knowledge of local and federal permitting processes by ensuring project timelines are being met. In addition, you will be processing and interpreting geomorphological, hydrological, and ecological data as well as ecosystem restoration design plans to support your deliverables. Be ready to showcase your technical writing skills, as well as knowledge of local and federal permitting processes during the interview process!
30% of the time you will be collecting data – at the office, you will be accessing state and federal databases to extract specific information and then interpreting and communicating the results of the obtained data. In the field, you will be assisting the ecologists and project managers with some data collection, as well as participating in agency site visits for project development, approval, and monitoring.
We would love to speak with you if you have many of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Environmental Policy, Planning, or closely related field
- 0-2 years of experience in environmental permitting, jurisdictional determinations, and technical report writing
- Knowledge of environmental policy and regulations including those under the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404/401 and Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) requirements and supporting documentation.
- Exposure / interest in ecological restoration projects
- Proven technical writing skills
- Excellent communication and organization skills, ability to work with different teams
- Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office
What will make you stand out?
- Exposure to state and federal T&E and historic resource databases.
- Exposure to geomorphology data collection and processing.
- Supporting ecological assessments.
- Supporting wetland delineations, stream determinations, vegetation surveys and/or hydrological monitoring.
- Master’s Degree in a Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or similar.
Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.
RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.