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Ecological Restoration Designer - Entry Level (Hybrid)

Barr Engineering Co.
paid time off, 401(k)
United States, Michigan, Grand Rapids
3033 Orchard Vista Drive Southeast (Show on map)
Jul 10, 2025

The role - what you'll do

Barr is seeking an ecological restoration designer to join our Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids teams. The person in this position will work on ecological analysis and design projects involving streams and wetlands plus other potential resources and natural features such as woodlands, lakes, shorelines, and sand dunes.

A successful person in this role will have strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and a flexible working style with the ability to work independently and with teams of specialists to meet client and project needs.

Your impact - key responsibilities

  • Design: landscape and natural plant community design including stream and wetland restoration plans.

  • Technical analysis: perform resource impact analysis and stream characterization, develop permitting applications, and prepare technical reports.

  • Field support: site inspections and field data collection.

  • Permitting and reporting: support project permitting and communication with clients, permitting agencies, and public officials.

About the opportunity

  • Compensation: anticipated range of $65,000-80,000/year. 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.

  • 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 Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids, Michigan, offices.

  • Work environment: ability to work in locations like rural outdoor sites with limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

About you - required core competencies

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, landscape architecture, natural resource management, ecology, or other related degree from an accredited program.

  • Experience: 2+ years of professional experience related to ecological design.

    • Experience conducting stream characterization.

    • Experience performing vegetation surveys and ecological quality assessments, developing native seed mixes, and preparing ecological restoration plans.

    • Planting design experience and knowledge of local planting techniques and species.

  • Licenses/certifications: PE or MI Landscape Architect license, or the ability to become licensed within one year.

  • Willingness and ability to regularly travel.

  • 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 or other advanced degree in landscape architecture, natural resource management, ecology, or other related degree from an accredited program.

  • Advanced professional development training for wetland and/or stream restoration practices including natural stream channel design.

  • 5+ years of professional experience in ecological design.

  • Experience with green infrastructure design.

  • Experience conducting wetland impact assessments and restoration/wetland mitigation design, including identification and evaluation of potential restoration opportunities.

  • Experience performing stream geomorphic surveys and field assessments.

#LI-Hybrid

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.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our sucess.

To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture

Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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