Permitting Assistant

Get to Know Us – Our Why:

MCWD believes that water is a central organizing element in the development of sustainable cities.  We know that our lakes, streams, and wetlands have the power to underpin community identity, and grow social, environmental, and economic value. This is why we are dedicated to building a landscape of vibrant communities where nature and the built environment exist in balance and create value and enjoyment.  We are pursuing a vision of A Balanced Urban Ecology through public-private partnerships that protect and improve water, while creating a sense of place within the watershed.

How We Work Together – Our Culture:

MCWD is a leader in watershed management—it’s a place to explore your potential and to push boundaries. We know that our success is driven by talented people who want to grow, think, and create. Our culture thrives on ideas, imagination, initiative, and the power that diverse perspectives bring to our collective mission.  At MCWD, we enjoy the challenge of deep, meaningful work and appreciate the power we have as a growing team to achieve excellence in a constantly evolving environment. MCWD is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color.

Who You Will Work With – The Team:

The permitting program’s purpose is to protect natural resources from degradation associated with land use change. The permitting team administers and issues permits, administers and enforces the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), monitors active construction for compliance with district rules, and works to advance the strategic objectives of the watershed district. This position will work closely with the program manager to identify and build new public and private partnerships with stakeholders to achieve natural resource benefits beyond regulation alone.

What You Will Be Doing – The Job:

• Process and review permit applications for compliance with District rules and assist in issuing permits.  Assist Permit Technicians with Wetland Conservation Act decision drafting and field-reviews as needed.
• Conduct field inspections of permitted and non-permitted active construction sites in order to document compliance; provides prompt follow-up with property owners and construction site managers to promote corrective actions in a timely fashion and protect natural resources from degradation.
• Maintain and update the permitting database to manage permit documentation, review timelines, track inspections, and monitor fees..
• Represent the District and maintain ongoing and positive working relationships with cities and townships; state and local agencies; federal, state, regional, and local governments, the development community, and the public.

What You Will Bring to MCWD:

• A passion for advancing MCWD’s Balanced Urban Ecology vision of watershed management
• Associates, Technical, or Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental science, or related field and/or 1-3 years of professional experience in natural resources, natural resource compliance, planning, code enforcement, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to learn District rules and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal water resource regulations; and understanding of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA)
• Experience reading technical documents like engineering plans, stormwater and wetland manuals, and permit applications.
• An ability to spot relevant patterns and issues, and forge new alternative ways forward
• The capacity to track, digest, and manage detail while maintaining a strategic perspective
• A drive to stretch, learn, and grow in a high performing environment
• Flexible thinking, adaptability, and a desire to actively manage change
• A propensity for interpersonal communications, and the ability to build consensus
• A drive to build lasting relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders

What We Can Offer You:

MCWD believes that taking care of its people is the right thing to do.  We strive to provide an environment that supports great work, balanced with a great life, by offering:

• The opportunity to influence the strategy of a mission-driven leader in watershed management
• A commitment to maintaining competitive total compensation as a means to recruit and retain top talent to support our mission. (See our policy)
• Employer paid health and dental coverage
• A collaborative and supportive culture
• Flexible hybrid work environment (2-days all staff in-office)
• Generous number of vacation and ESST days each year
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Opportunities for growth and professional development, including tuition reimbursement