Senior Wetland Field Ecologist — Midwest Lead & Travel

Lead Wetland Field Ecologist - Midwest (Iowa)

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking highly motivated and experienced Wetland Field Ecologists to lead, manage, train, and mentor multiple crews in conducting wetland and other ecological surveys in support of utility, transportation, and development projects primarily in the Midwest, with the potential to work throughout the U.S. Primary duties include wetland and stream delineations with additional opportunities to perform threatened and endangered species surveys, functional assessments, habitat assessments, vegetation surveys, and wildlife surveys, in addition to completing associated survey reporting work.

The work environment will consist of both urban and remote field settings, which may include work in adverse weather conditions, and, in some instances, irregular and/or steep terrain. Approximately 80-90% travel is anticipated during the field season, as well as extended (10+ hour) days and/or more than five‑day work weeks. Overtime pay will apply for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week.

These are full‑time benefit‑eligible opportunities with an anticipated base wage between $27 to $40 per hour depending on qualifications and experience. Ideal candidates for this position will reside in the Midwest and be familiar with federal and state regulatory agencies and their required protocols. Work schedule is flexible and focused on meeting project and team needs.

why Merjent?
Merjent is a medium‑sized consulting and engineering company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. All full‑time employees begin their tenure at Merjent with four weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority, and receive 10 paid holidays and generous benefits and compensation packages. Merjent supports annual career‑related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise.

Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing, construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in‑person team meetings and all‑staff events.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineations according to the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineations Manual and applicable regional supplements.
• Collect, record, manage, and analyze geospatial data using Trimble and ESRI products.
• Prepare technical reports and memos, and other documents for project planning and permitting purposes.
• Coordinate with project teams and permitting leads to determine and verify field expectations and data collection requirements.
• Perform habitat assessments, functional assessments, vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys, and species‑specific surveys (if qualified).
• Apply situational awareness to mitigate in‑field risks and ensure compliance with industry standards and client‑specific safety requirements.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Ecology, Soil Science, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related degree.
• Minimum three years of experience conducting wetland delineations with at least one year experience leading wetland delineation teams.
• Knowledge of federal and state wetland regulations.
• Experience with USACE Atypical and Problem Wetland Areas methodology is preferred.
• Familiarity using Trimble and ESRI products.
• Midwest field work experience.
• Excellent oral and written technical communication and organizational skills, and ability to strategize on multiple concurrent projects of varying size and complexity.
• Competency in general MS Office applications (Word, Excel) required.
• Ability to conduct field work for ten or more hours per day, sometimes in adverse conditions carrying equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work weekends, multiple week shifts away from home and regularly work more than forty hours per week.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record and able to pass a…