Regulatory Specialist I

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 Regulatory Specialist I to join our team.

As a Regulatory Specialist I at RES, you will support the permitting, compliance, and regulatory strategy efforts for restoration, mitigation, and conservation projects across diverse ecosystems. This is an entry-level role ideal for someone who is passionate about environmental science, policy, and ecological restoration—and eager to grow their technical skills in regulatory documentation, fieldwork, and project support.

You'll work closely with experienced regulatory specialists, scientists, engineers, and project managers to help advance projects through the permitting process while learning how science and policy come together in the field.

Why You'll Love This Job

• You'll gain hands-on experience in environmental permitting. From wetlands to stream mitigation, you'll see how regulatory frameworks shape real-world restoration projects.
• You'll develop valuable technical skills. You'll build your capabilities in permitting, technical writing, field data collection, and GIS/map interpretation.
• You'll work with a collaborative, mission-driven team. Our work is rooted in restoring ecosystems and delivering sustainable outcomes—and you'll be an important part of that mission.
• You'll learn from experienced mentors. You'll receive support and guidance as you develop your regulatory and environmental expertise, with room to grow your career.

A Day in the Life

You'll spend your day reviewing baseline assessment data and reports, organizing data, and preparing permit documents under the guidance of senior regulatory staff.

Throughout the week, you'll help draft regulatory reports and applications, interpret design maps and technical documents, coordinate maps and analysis with GIS staff, and track regulatory research findings. You'll attend internal meetings, assist in organizing regulatory deliverables, and work with interdisciplinary teams to ensure permitting needs are met with precision and integrity.

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

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, geology, ecology, or a related natural or physical science field
• 0–2 years of relevant environmental, regulatory, or permitting experience (internships or coursework acceptable)
• Basic familiarity with environmental regulations (e.g., CWA 404/401, NPDES, ESA, and local/state permitting processes)
• Exposure to field data collection, field sampling protocols, and data organization
• Basic understanding of functional assessments (e.g., aquatic resource delineations, biological community mapping, habitat assessments)

You will thrive in this position if you:

• Are organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in managing your work
• Communicate clearly and ask smart questions when you need guidance
• Are excited to grow your technical, regulatory, and scientific expertise

California Pay Range

$60,800—$71,500 USD

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.