Project-level Wetland Scientist

About the Role

The scientist will apply environmental compliance expertise to renewable energy and transmission projects, addressing Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and other permitting requirements. Responsibilities include technical writing of compliance documents, leading tasks or managing projects, conducting field studies with maps, GPS and aerial imagery, overseeing crews, and ensuring team safety through plans and hazard anticipation. • Conduct wetland delineations, vegetative surveys, protected species and habitat assessments, and construction compliance monitoring. • Prepare technical reports and permit submissions summarizing site conditions and compliance evaluations. • Lead field crews or work independently using topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and GIS software. • Manage project tasks or serve as project manager, developing safety plans and mitigating hazards.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸wetland delineation
• ▸gis mapping
• ▸permit submissions
• ▸project management
• ▸safety planning
• ▸compliance monitoring

What You Bring

SWCA's growing Chicago team is looking for a Project-level Wetland Scientist to support full‑time projects in Wisconsin and surrounding areas. The role offers a mix of field and office work and is available at two levels: Assistant Project Wetland Scientist (≈3 years experience) or Associate Project Wetland Scientist (≈5 years experience). Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, environmental science or a related field, have at least three years of Midwest wetland delineation and site‑investigation experience, and have completed a 38‑hour wetland delineation training or equivalent. Additional requirements include proficiency with ArcGIS and GPS, the ability to travel extensively and carry equipment up to 50 lb, and a valid driver’s license. Preferred qualifications are Assured Delineator certification, five years of experience, strong agency relationships, and project‑management experience. • Travel extensively (≈60% of field season), including overnight mobilizations and carrying equipment up to 50 lb. • Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant natural‑resources discipline and at least three years of Midwest site‑investigation experience. • Complete a 38‑hour wetland delineation training course or possess equivalent professional experience. • Demonstrate proficiency with ArcGIS, GPS devices, and data processing/analysis. • Maintain a valid driver’s license meeting SWCA’s driver requirements. • Preferred: Assured Delineator certification in Wisconsin, five years of relevant experience, strong agency relationships, and project‑management experience.

Requirements

• ▸arcgis
• ▸gps
• ▸bachelors
• ▸3 years
• ▸wetland training
• ▸assured delineator

Benefits

SWCA is a 100% employee‑owned firm that values collaboration, continuous learning, and giving back. It offers a supportive, team‑oriented environment, competitive wages, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability plans, a 401(k) profit‑sharing plan, and an employee stock ownership plan. The company also provides robust career‑development resources, conference attendance support, education reimbursement, and bonuses for publications. Compensation ranges from $28.67‑$37.40 per hour for Assistant Project Wetland Scientists and $32.76‑$42.04 per hour for Associates, with actual pay based on experience, location and client needs. Performance bonuses and the broader Total Rewards package are also available. SWCA encourages internal candidates, follows salary‑equity and transparency practices, and is an EOE employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Work Environment

Field