Mid-Level NPDES Permit Writer

ERG provides technical expertise and high-quality service across the water sector to help improve the environment and public health. Committed to attracting and retaining top talent in the water quality industry, ERG offers a casual and collaborative work environment, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

ERG's Fairfax, VA office is seeking a Mid-Level Environmental Scientist with 3-10 years of experience supporting Clean Water Act-related environmental efforts across the United States. This role is especially well suited for an NPDES permit writer who can independently manage substantial portions of the permitting process, apply federal and state requirements to complex discharges, communicate effectively with regulators and permittees, and contribute to multiple projects at once.

In this role, the selected candidate will work alongside experienced NPDES professionals and multidisciplinary teams that include engineers, scientists, policy specialists, data analysts, and regulatory experts. Responsibilities may include supporting the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, collecting and managing data, analyzing information, conducting desktop reviews and assessments of program documents, and preparing technical reports. Technical work will be performed under the direct supervision and mentorship of experienced ERG staff.

Job Description:

• Develop, review, and revise individual and general NPDES permits, fact sheets or statements of basis, public notices, response to comments documents, and supporting administrative records
• Review permit applications, discharge monitoring reports, facility records, engineering information, prior permits, inspection findings, and other technical materials for completeness and regulatory relevance
• Characterize industrial and municipal processes, wastewater sources, treatment systems, discharge locations, receiving waters, pollutants of concern, and operational conditions
• Develop technology-based effluent limitations using applicable effluent limitations guidelines, secondary treatment standards, best professional judgment, and other federal or state requirements
• Evaluate the need for water quality-based effluent limitations, including reasonable potential analyses and interpretation of applicable water quality standards, criteria, wasteload allocations, and implementation procedures
• Calculate effluent limitations and monitoring requirements using appropriate statistical, technical, and regulatory methods
• Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable
• Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping, special condition, best management practice, compliance schedule, and pretreatment requirements
• Review technical analyses prepared by others and perform quality-control checks for regulatory consistency, technical accuracy, and completeness
• Research and interpret the Clean Water Act, federal NPDES regulations, effluent guidelines, EPA guidance, state regulations, water quality standards, program policies, and relevant permitting precedents
• Coordinate with permitting authorities, facility representatives, technical specialists, and other interested parties to obtain information and resolve permitting issues
• Support public participation activities, including preparation of public notices, evaluation of comments, development of responses, and revision of proposed permits
• Prepare technical memoranda, regulatory analyses, standard operating procedures, permit templates, guidance materials, and training materials
• Track assignments, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and outstanding information needs across multiple concurrent permits or projects
• Participate in meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, permittees, and project teams and clearly communicate technical and regulatory conclusions
• Provide technical guidance and review support to junior staff and contribute to the development of consistent, efficient permitting approaches
• Support NPDES program evaluations, permit quality reviews, backlog reduction efforts, process improvements, and training activities
• Contribute to proposals, scopes of work, cost estimates, and other business-development activities, as appropriate

Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with NPDES program implementation or other water-related environmental programs
• Familiarity with the NPDES permitting program and regulations pertaining to wastewater and stormwater
• MS, BS, or BA in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Engineering or related discipline
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Strong data analytical skills
• Proficiency in conducting desktop research
• Ability to work alone and within a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability and willingness to travel locally and across the United States as necessary. Little to no travel is anticipated during the first year of employment but may be required over time
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Acquaintance with erosion and sediment control practices for construction sites and other stormwater pollution prevention best management practices
• Knowledge of municipal and/or industrial wastewater treatment processes