Environmental Permitting Specialist

SUMMARY:

The Environmental Permitting Specialist is an early- to mid-level role that supports environmental permitting, stormwater management, and biosolids regulatory initiatives for public and private sector clients. This position has a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, with a focus on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, stormwater compliance, and biosolids regulations. Provides technical analysis, develops supporting documentation, and interfaces with clients and regulators, including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, to advance permits through review and approval and maintain advanced knowledge on changing regulatory stances. Applies working knowledge of Pennsylvania permitting programs to support projects involving erosion and sediment control, water quality, and residual waste management.

Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below.

REPORTS TO: Service Line Lead

Key Responsibilities

Understanding of PADEP Regulatory Requirements

• Maintain working knowledge of regulatory programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, including permitting requirements for water, wastewater, and residual waste.
• Interpret and apply applicable regulations to project-specific conditions and client needs.
• Stay current with updates to state and federal regulations, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program and associated guidance.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies to clarify requirements, resolve technical comments, and support permit approvals.

Permit Package Preparation and Submission

• Prepare complete and accurate permit applications, reports, and supporting documentation for NPDES, stormwater, and other PADEP permits.
• Develop technical components including erosion and sediment control plans, post-construction stormwater management narratives, and supporting calculations.
• Compile and review application materials for consistency, completeness, and regulatory compliance prior to submission.
• Track permit status, respond to agency review comments, and coordinate revisions through final approval.

Project Management

• Manage discrete permitting tasks or small projects, including scope, schedule, and budget tracking.
• Coordinate with internal staff (engineering, survey, GIS) and external stakeholders to support timely permit delivery.
• Communicate project status, risks, and regulatory considerations to project managers and clients.
• Determine requirements and organizational structure for new projects as service scope expands.
• Support proposal development, including scope definition and level-of-effort estimates for permitting tasks.

Biosolids Regulatory Monitoring and Policy Support

• Monitor federal and state biosolids regulations, policy developments, and emerging guidance related to land application, residual waste management, PFAS considerations, nutrient management, and beneficial reuse practices
• Evaluate regulatory changes and assess impacts on utilities, municipalities, industrial generators, landowners, and other stakeholders involved in biosolids management
• Develop technical recommendations and implementation strategies that support clients and industry partners in adapting to regulatory changes, maintaining compliance, and implementing best management practices
• Prepare white papers, technical memoranda, policy summaries, and briefing/client presentation materials for regulatory agencies and industry groups
• Represent the firm in regulatory meetings, workshops, industry associations, and agency coordination efforts related to biosolids policy and program development

Data Analysis and Technical Understanding

• Analyze site data, field investigations, and environmental reports to inform permit strategies and design inputs.
• Utilize standard tools and models (e.g., spreadsheets, basic modeling software) to support calculations and documentation.
• Interpret water quality data and site constraints to ensure compliance with applicable standards and permit conditions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or similar.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in permitting (preferably for PADEP or equivalent State Agencies).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel.
• Experience with state and/or federal permitting, regulatory review and interpretation.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Material Matters (MM) is a highly respected environmental consulting firm specializing in expertise with biosolids and residuals processing/management/use, wastewater treatment, data management, and regulations. Our mission is to enable our clients to accomplish innovative management solutions for their biosolids and residuals programs by providing leading edge, integrated professional services. MM is based in Middletown, PA. We offer competitive benefits including health, disability, and 401k plan. xrczosw MM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.