Title:

Permitting Specialist

BELONG. CONNECT. GROW. with KBR.

Around here, we define the future. We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers.  But we all share one goal:  to improve the world responsibly and safely.

KBR, under contract to the US Geological Survey (USGS) Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory (ASL), is seeking a Permitting Specialist to support the USGS Volcano Science Center (VSC). The USGS VSC coordinates support for seven regional volcano monitoring networks in Alaska, California, Hawaii, the Cascades, Yellowstone, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI). These regional networks collectively operate over 500 remote monitoring stations to record various geophysical parameters including seismicity, ground deformation, gas emissions, and explosions. Data from these systems support continuous monitoring of volcanic activity and early warning of potentially hazardous eruptions. These data also provide benefit to other operations and agencies focused chiefly on earthquakes and tsunami.

The USGS/VSC requires assistance in managing its portfolio of site permits and agreements associated with volcano monitoring operations on both public and private lands. These responsibilities extend to coordinating and establishing new site permits, modifying existing permits, and assisting with other permit types (geologic field studies and sample collections, temporary research projects, etc.).

This position is hybrid, allowing remote work with anticipated bi-monthly office work at the local Anchorage, Alaska USGS office - the successful candidate must live in or near Anchorage, Alaska. Several trips a year will be required to coordinate permitting efforts at regional Observatories – chiefly the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (Hilo, Hawaii) and the Cascades Volcano Observatory (Vancouver, Washington), but elsewhere as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Establish a records system to contain permit details and libraries to contain paper and digital copies of agreements and supporting information.Verify Permit and Landowner information.Verify existing permit information and update as needed.Verify existing landowner or public land manager information and update as needed.Maintain standardized permit request packages specifically tailored to private landowners and to the various public land managers in our areas of operation (USFS, USFWS, NPS, etc.)These to include cover letter templates, permit/agreement templates, equipment/instrumentation information, description of installation procedures, etc.Contact landowners and public property land managers.Initiate contact with landowners/managers, including discussion of scope of work, timing of proposed work, and access requirements.Submit request packages to private/corporate landowners.Discuss potential revisions or alternatives to the standard site access agreement or lease based upon landowner’s feedback.Revise site access agreement/lease or conform to alternatives based upon concurrence between the USGS and landowner.Follow up with landowner and appropriate USGS signatory to obtain signed agreement.Submit permit applications to public land manager agencies (e.g., NPS, USFWS, USFS, etc.)In most such cases, USGS must conform to permitting requirements and procedures of the managing agency.National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)Prepare and submit NEPA documentation to the USGS NEPA Coordinator.Follow the NEPA process to its conclusion. Coordination and completion of the NEPA process may involve interaction with a contracted environmental firm.Document and maintain records of all work performed at all sites, including dates and times of site visits, equipment and instrumentation information, site layout diagrams (as-builts), and photographs.This requires close interaction and communication with field personnel and Network Managers.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Education: AA or AS degree plus 2 years of related experience; or in lieu of a degree, 4 years of related experience.Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience performing tasks like those above.Strong interpersonal and communication skills.Proficiency in Microsoft EXCEL required, database familiarity desired.General experience using Microsoft PowerPoint and Word.Attention to detail.US Citizenship required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Familiarity or experience with environmental law and permitting processes.

KBR BENEFITS:

KBR offers a wide range of benefits for their employees; we offer medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, disability benefits, retirement 401k, travel benefits, PTO, holidays, flexible work schedules, parental leave, military leave, education assistance, and the list goes on and on! We also support career advancement through professional training and development.

At KBR, we are passionate about our people, sustainability, and our Zero Harm culture.

These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a more inclusive and diverse company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment of real collaboration across cultures and locations. Our individual differences and perspectives bring enhanced value to our teams and help us develop solutions for the most challenging problems. We understand that by embracing those differences and working together, we are more innovative, more resilient, and safer.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.