What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Permitting Specialist position at AKS Engineering & Forestry?
At AKS Engineering & Forestry, we’re all about building better communities—literally. We help shape neighborhoods, create spaces for businesses, and design the infrastructure that makes life better for everyone. As a locally owned firm, we’ve spent the past 30 years partnering with public and private clients to deliver high-quality engineering solutions across the Pacific Northwest.
Are you passionate about environmental compliance and making a real impact on the places we live and work? Join our Natural Resources team as an Environmental Permitting Specialist and help drive projects that support infrastructure, transportation, and housing development—while protecting the environment every step of the way. You’ll work alongside a collaborative team of scientists, planners, and engineers and help our clients navigate complex regulatory requirements from start to finish.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct wetland delineations, ordinary high-water demarcations, riparian habitat assessments, and other similar field data collection throughout Oregon.
- Use Trimble GPS units and background mapping tools to collect and organize field data
- Prepare high-quality Wetland Delineation Reports that meet Oregon DSL and USACE standards
- Analyze project impacts and guide internal teams and clients through environmental compliance processes.
- Prepare local, state, and federal permit applications, reports, and/or memos associated with environmental and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate with state, local, and federal agencies to meet regulatory requirements and effectively communicate project goals.
- Oversee or collaborate with subconsultants and ensure quality and accuracy of deliverables.
Who You Are
- You have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in wetland or forest ecology, environmental science/biology, botany, soils, or similar related science.
- Minimum 4 years of experience conducting wetland delineations using the Western Mountains, Valley, and Coast or Arid West Corps of Engineers Regional Supplements
- You bring at least 4 years of USACE/DSL permitting experience, ideally supporting transportation, housing, or other public infrastructure projects in Oregon.
- You have a solid understanding of DSL and USACE permitting requirements.
- You have excellent written and oral communication skills and are a clear and confident communicator who can explain technical details to a range of audiences.
- You’re organized, self-driven, and capable of managing multiple priorities on tight timelines.
Nice to Have
- Professional Wetland Scientist or Wetland Professional In-Training (WPIT) certification
- Prior experience supporting the development of NEPA documentation (EISs, EAs, categorical exclusions) for public infrastructure and transportation projects.
- Prior experience working on federally funded projects and/or projects with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) .
- Prior experience preparing biological assessments or other supporting environmental documents.
- Prior experience reviewing subconsultant deliverables or mentoring junior team members.
- Prior experience preparing scope, budgets, schedules, and proposals.
Why AKS?
At AKS, we believe your work should support your life—not the other way around. Here's what you can count on when you join our team:
- Meaningful Growth: Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, we offer hands-on training, mentorship, and clear paths for professional development so you can grow with purpose.
- Real Collaboration: Join a team that brings diverse perspectives together to solve complex challenges with creativity, curiosity, and a shared commitment to quality.
- Respect for Your Time: We value work-life balance and offer generous PTO and a supportive environment that helps you manage both personal and professional responsibilities.
- Benefits That Care: You’ll have access to health coverage that supports your total well-being—plus a 401(k) match, paid holidays, and more resources to help you thrive.
- Weekly Team Lunches: Take a break and recharge with your teammates—we believe food brings people together.
- Culture That Connects: We invest in experiences that build strong teams and strong communities.
- A Place People Love to Work: We’ve been named one of the Top Workplaces in Oregon and Washington year after year—for good reason.
Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.
