Permitting Specialist

Tetra Tech, Inc.; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Professional growth

Job summary

Tetra Tech in Billings, MT is seeking a mid- to senior-level NEPA/MEPA Permitting Specialist to support environmental review and permitting for projects across the Northern Rockies and Great Plains.

The role includes preparing NEPA/MEPA documents, coordinating with agencies, and supporting field efforts, with travel as needed. Montana permitting experience is preferred.

A degree in biology or environmental science and 3+ years of professional experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a Permitting Specialist or related role (NEPA/MEPA).
• Experience with Montana county-level permitting preferred.
• Detail oriented with excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, ArcGIS Pro, and other relevant software.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment; willingness to learn.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass motor vehicle background check.
• U.S. Citizen due to project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare NEPA and MEPA documents and related reports.
• Lead or assist with permit strategy, regulatory coordination, and document development.
• Conduct project research, impact analysis, and technical writing for public/agency documents.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies on review requirements.
• Support biological resource field efforts, including wetlands, vegetation, streams, and species.
• Assist with project planning, scheduling, and quality control of deliverables.
• Collaborate with internal teams, clients, and subject matter experts.

Skills

NEPA/MEPA compliance

Technical writing

Project coordination

Field work readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or Environmental Science

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

MS Office

FieldMaps

Survey123

Job description

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is seeking a highly motivated Mid-level Wetland Biologist to join our team and support field surveys in the Great Plains and Western Mountains (CO, NE, WY, MT, and ND) and subsequent reporting. We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist who is prepared to learn and grow their experience with biological resources, natural resources, and technical writing.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Responsibilities:

We are seeking a mid- to senior-level NEPA / MEPA Permitting Specialist to support a diverse portfolio of commercial, state, and federal projects throughout the Northern Rockies and Great Plains region. This position will be based out of Billings, MT and will play a key role in preparing and supporting environmental review and permitting efforts under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA).

Location: Billings, Montana

Work Coverage: Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and support NEPA and MEPA documentation, including Environmental Assessments and related technical reports
• Lead or assist with environmental permit strategy, regulatory coordination, and document development
• Conduct project research, impact analysis, and technical writing for public and agency-facing documents
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies on environmental review requirements
• Support biological resource field efforts as needed, including wetlands, vegetation, streams, and sensitive species
• Assist with project planning, scheduling, and quality control of deliverables
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, clients, and subject matter experts.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in biology, Environmental Science, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a Permitting Specialist or related role, with a focus on NEPA/MEPA compliance and Environmental Assessments.
• Experience with local Montana county-level permitting is preferred
• Detail oriented with excellent critical thinking and troubleshooting/problem solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS Pro, and other relevant software tools.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative work environment along with a willingness to learn and be adaptable.
• Ability to conduct field work safely in accordance with Tetra Tech's health and safety policies and the project's specific health and safety plan.
• Excellent organization and oral/written communications skills.
• Ability to take clear and accurate field notes by hand or on a tablet/smartphone..
• Ability to prioritize a variety of assignments in time-critical situations.
• Ability to analyze available data and draw valid, defensible conclusions.
• Schedule must have flexibility to travel (land and/or air), at times on short notice.
• The successful candidate must possess a valid driver's license in good standing and successfully pass a motor vehicle background check in accordance with company policy.

This position requires the candidate to be a U.S. Citizen due to the projects they will be working on.

Background Check: If this position requires a CAC card, CUI Enclave Access and/or a Security Clearance, a background check will be completed.

Physical Demands

• This position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position and move about and traverse uneven terrain for extended periods during field assessments.
• Move/transport equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Use manual dexterity for tasks such as operating field sampling equipment, writing, and data entry.
• Conduct fieldwork in various environmental conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.

Work Environment

• A combination of office and fieldwork settings, with the majority of fieldwork conducted indoors.
• Occasional travel to project sites, which may include remote locations requiring overnight stays.
• Exposure to natural environments, including wetlands, streams, and construction sites, necessitating adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Language & Communication Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with team members.
• Ability to consistently perform duties in a professional manner.

Other Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with ESRI GIS software and applications (ArcPro, FieldMaps, Survey123) for mapping and data visualization.
• Basic mathematical skills for data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience with environmental sampling and assessment tools and methodologies.

Life at Tetra Tech

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

• Organization: 112 EGS