Staff Wetland Scientist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) is seeking a Staff Wetland Scientist to be based out of our Chicago, Illinois office. The selected candidate will support projects throughout the midwest U.S. The Staff Wetland Scientist position requires an educational and experienced background in biology, natural resource management, botany, water resources, or a related field. This position will be a mix of field and office work, depending on project type and season.

This position requires fieldwork where the climate, weather and terrain can be demanding. It is anticipated that moderate travel, including overnight stays, may be required. Field work will be primarily in the midwest U.S. but may include travel to states in other ecoregions. Project reporting and other office tasks will require working on a computer for extended periods. For office tasks, we offer a hybrid approach and support a flexible schedule and working from home.

Our Vision (the North Star), Core Values, and Purpose:  Help drive SWCA to be 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.

We collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals that are committed to our culture.

What you will accomplish

Conduct a variety of natural resources field studies including wetland delineations, vegetation and habitat surveys, threatened/endangered species assessments, and avian/wildlife surveys.  Conduct detailed fieldwork, organize and save field data in digital formats, and write technical reports and permit applications for approvals under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other resource planning/permitting, and/or natural resource disciplines.

Experience and qualifications for success

Required

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Water Resources, Botany, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Science, Natural Resource Management, related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Relevant natural resources experience in the private or public sector as typically achieved through two (2) years of professional experience, including at least 1-year of experience conducting natural resources field work focused on wetland delineations and aquatic resources assessments.
• Experience conducting desktop research for preliminary wetlands evaluations and compiling field data into aquatic resource inventory reports.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability safely drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads.
• Familiarity with GPS devices and digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• The ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
• Desire to provide excellent client service in a fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and high attention to detail.

Preferred

• 1-2-years of experience leading natural resources field work focused on wetland delineations and aquatic resources assessments.
• Extensive working knowledge of botanical species taxonomy and ability to identify species in the field.
• Experience working on projects within the jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).
• Previous experience leading and mentoring wetland survey teams in Indiana, Illinois and surrounding states.
• Clean Water Act Regulatory experience and familiarity with the Nationwide Permitting system, specifically experience supporting projects located in Indiana.
• Previous experience leading site visits with agency personnel.

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.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Chicago-based position can expect a hourly rate of $24.15–$31.50/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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