Restoration Engineer; Chicago, IL or Buffalo, MI

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants & Engineering is currently seeking a Staff-Level Restoration Engineer with a passion for ecosystem restoration and water resource engineering. We are looking for an Engineer who can contribute to the growth of our ecological restoration practices throughout the Great Lakes and support SWCA’s ecological restoration projects throughout the entire U.S.

This position will be based in New Buffalo, MI, or our Lombard, IL office, with the flexibility to work either as a hybrid or remote employee. The ideal candidate will have experience/background in stream, wetland, and coastal/living shoreline design projects and should have a solid understanding of applied hydraulics, hydrology, and geomorphology. Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D and hydrology/hydraulic modeling is a plus.

The position will entail travel on occasion to assess project sites, collect field data, and meet with clients. Travel will be about 20% of the time, with much of the travel being local/regional. This is a full‑time, permanent, hourly, benefits‑eligible position.

This position can hire at the following levels:

• Assistant Staff Restoration Engineer
  :
  Typically with up to a year of relevant experience and expertise.
• Staff Restoration Engineer
  :
  Typically with at least two (2) years of relevant experience and expertise.

Final date to receive applications:
Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once suitable individuals have been identified, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee‑owned firm, providing a full‑spectrum of environmental services. Our vision is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee‑ownership.

• Conduct field work to assess existing site conditions, assess reference reach sites, and perform geomorphic surveys.
• Participate in the engineering design, reporting, and development of construction plans for restoration of streams, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands.
• Conduct engineering analyses to support the development of restoration designs.
• Write clear and concise technical documentation of engineering analyses.
• Develop project management skills.
• Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
• Represent SWCA and continue your professional development at industry conferences.
• Work independently in a fast‑paced environment; work under pressure and meet set deadlines.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Agricultural, Biological, Civil, Environmental, or Coastal Engineering).
• Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling and analysis software.
• Up to one year of ecosystem restoration design experience.
• Up to one year of experience in ecosystem restoration and/or prior related internship.
• Knowledge of erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and civil site design principles.
• Engineer‑in‑Training certification.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Experience developing ecological restoration design construction plans in AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Experience with survey equipment and techniques.
• Two or more years of ecosystem design experience.
• Familiarity with engineering software such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee‑owned firm, providing a full‑spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News‑Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you would like to contact SWCA…