Regulatory Specialist IV

Job Title: Regulatory Specialist IV
Location: Overland Park, KS

Description/Job Summary

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

Currently HGL has a position open for a Regulatory Specialist IV to work on and lead environmental planning and permitting tasks for capital development projects. The position will support assignments that involve preparing NEPA documents, preparing applications and supporting materials for federal, state, and local environmental permits, regulatory agency coordination, coordination with tribes, and technical support to public engagement. 

The position will be based in HGL’s Overland Park, KS office, but assignments will span nationwide geographic range. Business travel will be episodically needed and make up approximately 10% of the time for this position. This exciting role will provide opportunities for meaningful involvement in navigating the environmental process for large scale capital projects. The successful candidate will thrive in the role based on their knowledge of the environmental planning process, strategic thinking, ability to innovate, and proven verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities/Duties

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING 

• Document Preparation: Write and review NEPA planning documents (e.g., Categorical Exemptions, Environmental Assessments (EAs), and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), and supporting technical discipline reports (as technically qualified).
• Permit Application Preparation: Lead the preparation of environmental permit applications and supporting documents. 
• Impact Analysis: Analyze how proposed actions affect the natural environment (e.g., natural resources, wildlife) and the built environment (e.g., infrastructure, communities, economics).
• Coordination with Design Teams: Interface with design engineers and technical specialists to align planning efforts and design efforts to obtain and incorporate information into environmental planning and permitting documents. 
• Client Interaction: Participate in meetings with clients as needed to support preparation of environmental planning and permitting documents. Lead the development of strategies to navigate environmental planning and permitting.
• Agency Coordination: Lead coordination with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and entities to secure environmental permits and approvals for proposed actions. 
• Public Engagement: Provide technical support for public engagement actions (e.g., public meetings, public notices, preparing responses to public comments).

Minimum Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL 

The ideal candidate will need the following as a foundation for success in this role:

• BA/BS in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Biology, Environmental Planning, or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of directly related professional experience.
• Experience leading and directing the preparation of environmental planning documents for National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) compliance for capital projects.
• Experience leading and directing the preparation of permit applications for Clean Water Act Section 404 and 401 permits for capital projects.
• Knowledge of Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Migratory Bird Treaty Act and experience supporting ESA Section 7 consultation for capital projects.
• Expertise in a relevant technical discipline (e.g., ecology, wetlands, fisheries, environmental sciences). 
• Professional competence with Microsoft Office (e.g., Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams) and SharePoint.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adopt new technologies and digital tools to improve project delivery and operational efficiency.

Desired Qualifications

WHAT YOU NEED TO STAND OUT – Preferred, not required

• Working knowledge of CERCLA (Superfund) regulations, environmental cleanup actions, and application of environmental regulations in that context.
• Experience with Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) analysis and documentation for CERCLA remediation planning and design.
• Experience with mitigation planning and implementation for impacts to Waters of the United States (WOTUS).
• Experience in performing field reconnaissance and field data collection.
• HAZWOPER 40-hour training/8-hour refresher.
• Experience using generative AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) to improve technical writing, data analysis, research, visualization, or project delivery efficiency.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

PHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIRMENTS

• Ability to lift/move/relocate items up to 50 lbs.
• Repetitive hand motions (typing, tool use, etc.)
• Ability to see details at close range
• Ability to see details at a distance
• Viewing computer screen for extended periods
• Ability to interpret and analyze visual data (maps, graphs, warning indicators, etc.)
• Driving a company or personal vehicle
• Analyzing and synthesizing data
• Complex problem solving and decision making
• Reading and interpreting technical documents or regulations
• Writing reports, proposals, or technical documentation
• Leading a team or coordinating multiple priorities
• Communicating effectively with clients, team members, and stakeholders
• Managing competing deadlines and shifting priorities

WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to travel up to 10% per year 
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Office work environment
• Remote work environment

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Details

Work Schedule: HGL office work is dictated by a 5-day work week; however, fieldwork schedules will deviate based on job requirements and may require longer hours and weekends.

Office Type: In-office preferred, hybrid schedule available (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

Travel: 10% 

A favorable pre-hire drug test is required.

All positions are subject to a pre-hire education and driving record verification.

MORE ABOUT HGL AND THE OPPORTUNITY

At HGL, we share a drive and vision to restore natural resources and provide ongoing stewardship of our environment to benefit present and future generations. We believe that we can make a difference in improving the world we live in through collaboration, teamwork, and a positive work environment. This unites and empowers us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors.

HGL - WHO WE ARE 

The exceptional quality of our people is key to our strength. We value our employees as individuals and as important members of our team. We offer a work environment that is flexible, inclusive, and dedicated to creating a sustainable future. By cultivating a culture of innovation, we’re able to adapt and augment our services to solve complex environmental and natural resources challenges. 

Projects at HGL primarily span the United States and its territories, tackling problems associated with emerging contaminants (like PFAS), radiological contamination, and military munitions, along with chemical contamination in groundwater, surface water, sediments, and soil. 

With over 550 employees, HGL is large enough to execute high-profile projects, but small enough to develop personal working environments with our talented team members. By joining HGL, you will be working toward restoring the environment and protecting our future.

HGL - WE INVEST IN YOU

It’s not just a job, it’s your career. HGL provides career growth opportunities via mentoring, training, education, and support for your certifications and licenses. Achieve your career goals and help HGL achieve its mission of restoring the environment to beneficial use for our clients and communities. 

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected category. Some positions may require U.S. citizenship. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should contact Human Resources directly at 703-478-5186.

EEO notices: US Equal Opportunity Employment Poster, US Equal Opportunity Supplemental Poster, Know Your Rights, and Pay Transparency Notice.

A full list of benefits is available at www.hgl.com/careers/.

Digital & AI Proficiency: HGL encourages the responsible use of approved AI-enabled and digital technologies to improve productivity, technical quality, decision-making, and project delivery. Candidates who demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and experience leveraging emerging technologies are highly valued.

The annual salary for this position ranges from $93,766 - $145,337. This position's final salary can be impacted by various factors including, but not limited to, contractual requirements, geographic location, job-related education, training, experience, and skills. If your desired salary falls outside of this range, we hope you'll still apply as there may be other positions that better align.

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