Project-level Wetland Scientist

About the opportunity

SWCA's growing Chicago team seeks a Project-level Wetland Scientist to join our natural resources team. We are expanding our team and looking for dynamic individuals who are following their passion for delivering high-quality project work. If you thrive in delivering excellence in environmental consulting services, this is a great opportunity for you.

The successful candidate will possess a broad range of skills including identification of Midwestern botanical and wildlife species, attention to detail, organizational skills, willingness to learn, effective communication, and time management skills.

This is a full-time position supporting projects in Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding area(s). The role supports both field and office-based projects and can be hired at the following levels:

• Assistant Project Wetland Scientist – Typically with at least 3 years of relevant experience and expertise.
• Associate Project Wetland Scientist – Typically with at least 5 years of relevant experience and expertise.

Final date to receive applications:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The process remains open until a robust pool of qualified candidates is identified. We may close the application process without prior notice when suitable candidates are found.

• Apply a broad range of environmental compliance experience to support regional renewable energy and transmission projects related to the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and other resource planning/permitting and natural resource disciplines.
• Complete technical writing assignments focused on reporting and permitting environmental compliance documents.
• Support projects as a task lead and/or project manager depending on level of experience and career aspirations.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other tools for the preparation and execution of field studies.
• In the field, oversee a crew or work independently while supporting data collection needs including wetland delineation, vegetative surveys, protected species and habitat surveys, and construction compliance efforts.
• Data processing, review, and analysis.
• Take responsibility for team safety, develop safety plans when applicable, and anticipate potential safety hazards.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Fisheries and Wildlife Science, Ecology, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience conducting environmental site investigations including wetland delineation, protected species habitat surveys, Phase 1 site assessments, etc., within the Midwest, Northeast, and Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regions.
• Applicants who are unable to show professional wetland delineation experience will not be considered.
• Completion of a 38-hour wetland delineation training course or demonstrated equivalent professional experience.
• Technical writing experience related to summarizing site conditions and permit compliance evaluations.
• Familiarity with mapping software (such as ArcGIS) and GPS devices.
• Ability to travel for fieldwork, hike long hours in inclement weather, and carry equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Able to conduct overnight mobilizations for up to 1-2 weeks with approximately 60% travel during the active field season.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA's driver requirements.

Preferred qualifications:

• Five (5) years of environmental site investigations experience in the Midwest, Northeast, and Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regions.
• Strong working relationships with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
• Task or project management experience.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm offering a full spectrum of environmental services. Our vision is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions while maintaining employee ownership. We value collaboration, continuous learning, and giving back.

We are 100% employee-owned with offices across the United States. We offer a supportive, team-oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits,…