Natural Resources Scientist

Job Summary

Make a lasting impact on wetlands, natural resources, and environmental compliance across the Upper Midwest, while growing your career with a respected environmental consulting firm.

About the Role

This role offers the opportunity to work on diverse, meaningful projects throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, with a strong balance of fieldwork, project leadership, and client collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare permit applications, risk assessments, and technical documentation – including proposals, reports, and regulatory agency correspondence.
• Design environmental protection plans and support sustainable site development initiatives.
• Perform and oversee wetland delineations, ecological field surveys, sampling, and scientific analyses.
• Ensure projects meet federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Serve as a technical resource and team lead, mentoring junior scientists and coordinating field staff.
• Develop and review technical reports, permit applications, and client proposals.
• Analyze and interpret complex field and laboratory data to support defensible conclusions.
• Collaborate directly with clients, regulators, and internal teams on project planning and delivery.
• Uphold safety, quality, and professional standards on all projects.
• Progress toward Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer certification with structured mentoring.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Engineering, Geology, Archaeology, or related discipline. Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years’ related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 11 years’ related experience.
• Demonstrated senior-level experience in waters of the U.S./permitting, listed species, or NEPA.
• Section 401/404 permitting and/or listed species experience needed.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.
• Certification in the field of expertise required.
• Wisconsin DNR Assured wetland delineator credentials preferred.
• Illinois Lake County and DuPage County Wetland certification preferred.
• Knowledge of WDNR, IL state and local and USACE jurisdictional wetland regulations.
• Familiarity using Trimble and ESRI products.

Benefits

• Exposure to high-profile environmental and wetland projects throughout the Upper Midwest.
• The ability to shape project outcomes and client relationships.
• Clear pathways for technical advancement and leadership growth.
• A strong mix of fieldwork, analysis, and project management.
• Long-term career development within a stable, well-established firm.

Pay

Maximum Salary: $119,700
Minimum Salary: $77,200

Schedule

Mid-Senior Level | Level Determined by Experience

Qualifications

Location: Chicagoland OR Milwaukee area