Hydrogeologist or Engineer – Senior Level – Coal Combustion Residuals Focus (CCR) (Hybrid)
The role – what you’ll do
Barr is seeking a senior hydrogeologist or engineer to join our growing our team of professionals that deliver services to the power industry related to the CCR Rule. In this hybrid role, you will support the Assessment and Remediation business unit. Specific areas of specialty include facility evaluation, hydrogeologic characterization, water management, clean closure assessments, statistical evaluation, feasibility studies, environmental permitting, and remediation.
Project responsibilities may include implementation of remediation and monitoring reporting under the 2015 CCR Rule, as well as collaborating and coordinating with teams to provide compliance under the CCR Legacy Rule and programs. Project work may involve collecting hydrogeological field data and conducting data interpretation/evaluation; providing technical guidance on operational water management issues; and working with multidisciplinary teams (geochemists, hydrogeologists, hydrologists) on modeling studies.
Business development activities may include interacting with clients to identify and develop new project opportunities, which will include maintaining strong relationships with clients, developing proposals, and networking with clients and project partners at conferences. In addition to working with Barr’s power clients, the successful candidate may support projects across Barr’s client portfolio, including the fuels, mining, public, and manufacturing sectors.
The ideal candidate for this position is a confident and adaptable communicator who thrives in collaborative, cross-disciplinary environments. They are analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive, with a strong ability to navigate complex technical and regulatory challenges. They bring sound judgment and a solutions-focused mindset to dynamic project conditions, particularly when working under evolving regulatory frameworks. At a senior level, they demonstrate leadership and mentoring capabilities, build trusted client relationships, and contribute meaningfully to business development efforts. Above all, they are committed to quality, integrity, and teamwork in delivering sustainable, compliance-driven solutions for the power industry and beyond.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Technical knowledge: apply in-depth understanding of hydrogeology, engineering, and CCR regulations to lead site evaluations, monitoring programs, groundwater remedy implementation, and closure planning across a range of power sector sites.
Project management: coordinate multi-phase projects involving field investigation, data analysis, regulatory compliance, and remedy implementation, helping ensure alignment with technical objectives, timelines, and budget expectations.
Problem solving: interpret complex subsurface and regulatory data to develop tailored compliance strategies, address corrective actions, and guide clients through evolving CCR Rule and Legacy Rule requirements.
Communication: prepare clear, defensible technical reports, regulatory submittals, and proposals. Effectively communicate project updates and complex findings to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
Interpersonal savvy: collaborate across multidisciplinary internal teams and with external partners to maintain strong client relationships, foster business development, and create a shared understanding of project goals and deliverables.
About the opportunity
Compensation: anticipated range of $105,000–125,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of Barr's Bismarck, North Dakota; Salt Lake City, Utah; Duluth, Minneapolis, or Hibbing, Minnesota; Reno, Nevada; Denver, Colorado; Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan; or Jefferson City, Missouri, offices.
Travel expectation: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs.
Work environment ability to work in locations that may feature rough terrain typical of construction sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Job assignments may involve work on waste disposal sites and sites requiring cleanup of hazardous materials. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required. Safety training will be provided. Applicants may be asked to participate in a drug screening program at the request of specific clients. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical requirements for the role may include:
Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying outdoor conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, uneven terrain).
Must be able to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Capable of standing, walking, kneeling, or crouching for extended periods.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by site conditions.
Ability to safely operate or work around environmental monitoring and sampling equipment.
Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
About you – required core competencies
Education: bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Experience: 10 or more years of relevant experience
Experience designing and implementing hydrogeologic field investigation activities, including drilling and well construction; standard field sampling procedures for soil, rock, sediments, surface water, and groundwater; and aquifer tests.
Knowledge of the CCR Rule, Legacy Rule, and monitoring networks and familiarity with the use of hydrogeologic data to support groundwater model development and calibration.
Licenses/certifications: Registered Professional Geologist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one jurisdiction
Software: Strong computer skills, including word processing and use of spreadsheets. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Driver’s license: Possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
Helpful additional experience (not required)
Master's degree in geology, hydrogeology, or engineering with an emphasis in hydrogeology.
Experience with assessment of corrective action, remedy selection, treatability studies, and implementation of groundwater remedies.
Experience with impoundment closure plans, design, and implementation.
Recognized expertise in CCR demonstrated by regularly attending and presenting at conferences.
Previous consulting experience.
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our sucess.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Top Skills
What We Do
Barr provides engineering and environmental consulting services to clients across the Midwest, throughout the Americas, and around the world. We have been employee-owned since 1966 and trace our origins to the early 1900s. Working together, our 1,000+ engineers, scientists, and technical specialists help clients develop, manage, and restore natural resources.
Barr’s project teams work with clients in industries such as power, refining, mining, and manufacturing as well as attorneys, government agencies, and natural-resource-management organizations. Our project sites range from iron-ore mines in South America to wind-power farms in South Dakota, from manufacturing facilities in California to oil-sands fields in western Canada.
Barr is an EEO employer. For more about who we are and what we do, please visit our website at www.barr.com
