Sr. Regulatory Specialist

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.

RES is looking for a Senior Regulatory Specialist to join our team. You will play a critical role in navigating the complex regulatory landscape that supports environmental restoration and mitigation banking projects across the country. You will lead the preparation of permit documents, coordinate with regulatory agencies, and mentor junior staff while working closely with project managers, scientists, engineers, and clients. This role blends policy, science, and communication, offering an opportunity to lead regulatory strategy for projects that make a lasting ecological impact. 

Why You’ll Love This Job:

• You’ll be the regulatory expert on impactful ecological projects. From stream restoration to wetland mitigation and conservation banking, your expertise will help bring complex, purpose-driven projects to life.
• You’ll work at the intersection of science, design, and policy. Your day-to-day work will involve collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and translating technical information into regulatory success.
• You’ll have a voice with agencies and clients. You’ll lead permitting conversations, build relationships with regulators, and serve as the primary point of contact for compliance and approvals.

A Day in the Life:

You may begin the day reviewing a new permit application for a stream restoration project, coordinating with internal teams to gather the necessary design and ecological data. Later, you’ll lead a call with agency representatives to discuss permitting pathways, clarify technical documents, or advocate for a credit release schedule. In the field, you might oversee data collection, train junior staff in SOPs, or evaluate site conditions for permitting risk.

Back at the office, you’ll prepare regulatory deliverables—monitoring reports, permit applications, or functional assessments—ensuring they meet agency expectations and project deadlines. Your insight will shape how RES navigates current policy trends and project-level decisions.

We would love to talk to you if you have many of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, geology, or related natural/physical science field
• 5 years of relevant experience
• Expertise in preparing and submitting environmental permit documents 
• Advanced understanding of key regulations (e.g., CWA 404/401, NWP/IP, NPDES, ESA, 2008 Mitigation Rule)
• Proficient in field data collection, sampling protocols, and QA/QC
• Familiarity with regional regulatory frameworks and credit release schedules
• Expertise in Technical writing and data analysis
• Experience with agency coordination, public presentations, and client communication

What would make you stand out:

• PE, PG, PWS, CERP, or other professional certifications
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD)
• ArcGIS experience or certification
• Experience training junior staff and leading interdisciplinary teams

You Will Thrive in This Role If You:

• Enjoy working across disciplines and helping translate technical work into clear, regulatory-ready documents
• Are a natural communicator and collaborator—comfortable leading agency conversations and mentoring staff
• Are organized, accountable, and capable of managing multiple deliverables without direct supervision

Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.