Staff Wetland Scientist

About the Role

The Staff Wetland Scientist will split time between field and office work, depending on project type and season. Responsibilities may include supervising a small crew that conducts natural resources field work. Projects are based in Chicago and surrounding areas. Key duties involve conducting wetland delineations, vegetation and habitat surveys, threatened or endangered species assessments, and avian/wildlife surveys. The scientist will organize and digitize field data, and draft technical reports and permit applications under statutes such as the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and NEPA. When required, the incumbent will independently assign and direct activities of a biological survey crew, ensuring quality, safety, and on-time delivery. They will serve as the communication conduit between crew members and senior managers, resolve field complaints, and provide performance guidance. • Conduct wetland delineations, vegetation/habitat surveys, species assessments, and wildlife surveys. • Collect, organize, and digitize field data; prepare technical reports and permit applications (Clean Water Act, ESA, NEPA, etc.). • Independently supervise and direct small biological survey crews, ensuring quality, safety, and timely delivery. • Communicate field issues to senior managers, resolve crew complaints, and monitor team productivity. • Follow SWCA safety program and mitigate hazards in the field. • Provide robust career development programs, conference attendance support, education reimbursement, and internal promotion opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸wetland delineation
• ▸habitat survey
• ▸data management
• ▸report writing
• ▸permit applications
• ▸crew supervision

What You Bring

SWCA's growing Chicago team is looking for a Staff Wetland Scientist to join its natural resources group. The role offers a dynamic environment for individuals passionate about delivering high-quality environmental consulting services. The position is regular, full-time, non-exempt, and hybrid-eligible, requiring candidates to live within commuting distance of Chicago, IL. Adherence to SWCA’s safety program is essential, with the scientist expected to identify hazards, communicate them promptly, and protect the safety of team members. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, water resources, botany, environmental science or a related field, plus two years of relevant natural-resources experience—one of which must involve wetland delineations and aquatic assessments. Candidates should be proficient with GPS devices, digital data collection, and ArcGIS, and be able to travel, walk long hours in rugged terrain, and lift up to 40 lb. Preferred qualifications comprise one to two years of leading wetland field work, extensive knowledge of botanical taxonomy, and prior experience mentoring survey teams or leading site visits with agency personnel. • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field and at least two years of natural resources experience, including one year of wetland work. • Proficient with GPS, digital data collection, and ArcGIS mapping software. • Able to travel, walk long hours in varied terrain, lift up to 40 lb, and possess a valid driver’s license and 4WD driving skills. • Preferred: 1–2 years leading wetland surveys, strong botanical taxonomy knowledge, and experience mentoring teams.

Requirements

• ▸bachelor’s
• ▸2 years
• ▸gps
• ▸arcgis
• ▸leadership
• ▸botanical

Benefits

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100 % employee-owned firm that values collaboration, continuous learning, and giving back. The company is recognized among ENR’s Top 200 Environmental Firms and offers a supportive, team-oriented environment with competitive wages. Employees benefit from a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, a 401(k) profit-sharing plan, employee stock ownership, performance bonuses, and generous professional-development opportunities such as conference attendance and education reimbursement. The hourly rate for this Chicago position ranges from $25.12 to $32.76, with actual pay based on experience, qualifications, and other lawful factors. • Offer competitive hourly wage ($25.12–$32.76), performance bonuses, employee stock ownership, and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, wellness).

Work Environment

Field