Natural Resources Compliance Intern

About the Role

Aqua-Terr Systems, Inc. is hiring a Natural Resources Compliance Intern to support managers with organization and smooth operations. This full-time, exempt role offers hands-on experience through mentorship, client work exposure, and project contribution from office coordination to field implementation. The firm is a small, family-owned business established in 1992, specializing in wetland permitting.

Key Responsibilities

• Scheduling for the natural resource compliance team.
• Organizing physical and digital workspaces.
• Supporting mitigation installation, maintenance, and monitoring.
• Improving SOPs/Templates.
• Conducting research and collecting business/market data.
• Field visits to assist in data collection.
• Monitoring and Reporting.
• Providing Consultation and Operations support.
• Providing light admin support, including scheduling appointments and occasional business errands.
• Team calendar management.
• Communications Oversight: monitoring email, handling routine replies, escalating critical items, tracking deadlines.
• Task & Deadline Preparation: identifying needs, organizing materials, highlighting non-priorities.
• Independent Screening & Resolution: screening calls, resolving minor issues.

Fieldwork Specifics

• Performing monitoring visits under direction: field measurements, photos, notes, and basic assessments per ATSI protocols.
• Recording and organizing GPS points, photo locations, and field sheets.
• Organizing field notes, photos, and data into company templates.
• Populating standard tables, photo logs, and simple figures for monitoring reports.
• Drafting first-pass monitoring report sections and checklists.
• Keeping monitoring gear, tablets, and tools organized, charged, and ready.
• Updating simple project trackers and filing permit and agency correspondence.
• Helping schedule field days, landowner/contractor access, and related logistics.
• Keeping project folders and digital records organized and up to date.
• Assisting with mitigation installs per plans and SOPs: staking, planting, erosion control, light construction.
• Maintaining and sourcing seasonal labor for larger installs.
• Supporting maintenance: mechanical invasive removal, replanting, trash/debris cleanup, minor repairs.
• Helping site leads with safety checks, quality checks, end-of-day site cleanup, and inventory.

Organizational Requirements

• GTD Workflow in Asana: Must use the organizational system documented in "Getting Things Done" by David Allen.
• Capture tasks/ideas/emails into Asana immediately.
• Process inbox to zero daily.
• Maintain clear lists (Projects, Next Actions, Waiting For, Someday/Maybe).
• Conduct Weekly Review.
• Execute next actions daily.
• Use calendar integration only for time-specific items.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.): Complete proficiency.
• Asana: Proficiency is ideal.
• AI tools (e.g., Grok, Copilot for automation): Proficiency is ideal.
• Company systems: Comprehend company systems (Asana, GTD, SOPs, Outlook, SharePoint, BQE Core), protocols, workflow.

Qualifications

• Alignment with ATSI Hedgehog Concept.
• Self-Awareness: Ability to reflect on performance, accept constructive feedback, and recognize personal triggers or limits.
• Self-Regulation / Adaptability: Composure under pressure, resilience in fast-paced or ambiguous situations, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Empathy: Strong active listening skills and the capacity to respect and navigate diverse team perspectives.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to resolve interpersonal conflicts, influence stakeholders without formal authority, and foster collaboration.
• Strong organizational skills: profit-minded approach.
• Live within reasonable commuting distance to Bellingham office.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

At Times, Be Able To

• Lift a case of paper or banker’s box.
• Handle light cleaning (e.g., coffee mugs, quick sweep).
• Run occasional on-clock errands (bank, post office, supplies, etc.).
• Be comfortable with physically demanding outdoor work in varied weather.
• Be comfortable with focused and detail-oriented desk work.
• Regularly communicate work in progress, next steps, and capacity.

Ideal Candidate Experience

• Supporting a small family business during owner field time.
• Genuine enjoyment of seamless behind-the-scenes operations.

Tools & Support Provided

• Weekly one-on-ones with directs.
• 90-day trial period with in-depth training program.
• Pro-active, as-needed training with select staff.
• Primary work hub in Bellingham office with dedicated workstation, computer, and access to ATSI software, hardware, and expertise.
• Company vehicle provided for work-related travel between office, yard, and field sites (some personal vehicle required for daily field work).
• Company trailer and tools for installation, maintenance, and monitoring work.
• Safety gear and PPE.
• Company credit card for approved work expenses.
• Specific S.M.A.R.T. goals for the role.

Onboarding Expectations

• Within 30 days: Schedule with all NRC staff, comprehend company systems and protocols, assist initial tasks under mentorship, begin tool/routine learning, contribute to minor scheduling/comms.
• Within 60 days: Accurate independent use of systems per SOPs, handle basic admin coordination with oversight, provide greater operations support, 50% mastery progress.
• Within 90 days: Fully independent admin execution, support team efficiency, readiness for full rhythm.

Benefits (After 90-Day Trial)

• Continuing education/professional development.
• Unlimited Vacation.
• Shared payment of Health/dental insurance.
• Shared payment of Life insurance.
• Flexible schedule.
• Sick time.
• Amazing annual retreats.
• Bonuses.

Application Instructions

Email [email protected] with two separate PDFs attached:

• A cover letter.
• A resume.