Project level Wetland Scientist

SWCA's growing Minneapolis team seeks a dynamic Project Level Wetland Scientist to join our natural resources team. We are expanding and looking for individuals passionate about delivering the highest-quality environmental consulting services.

About the Role

This full-time position supports projects in Minnesota, the Dakotas, and surrounding areas, offering opportunities for both field and office-based work depending on project needs. We will consider candidates at two role levels:

• Associate Project Wetland Scientist – Typically with up to five (5) years of relevant industry experience.
• Project Wetland Scientist – Typically with up to seven (7) years of relevant industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Apply environmental compliance experience to support renewable energy and transmission projects under regulations such as the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act.
• Work closely with project teams to complete biological resource management tasks, taking initiative to resolve issues independently.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities while collaborating with SWCA’s scientists, planners, and cultural resource teams.
• Complete technical writing assignments, including reporting and permitting for environmental compliance documents.
• Serve as a task lead or project manager, depending on experience and career aspirations.
• Use tools like topographic maps, aerial photographs, and GPS units for field study preparation and execution.
• Oversee field crews or work independently to support data collection, including wetland delineation, vegetative surveys, protected species/habitat surveys, and construction compliance.
• Process, review, and analyze field data.
• Ensure team safety by developing safety plans and anticipating potential hazards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Fisheries and Wildlife Science, Ecology, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience conducting environmental site investigations, including wetland delineation, rare plant surveys, protected species habitat surveys, and Phase 1 site assessments in the Northern Plains and Midwest.
• Professional wetland delineation experience is required; applicants without this will not be considered.
• Completion of a 38-hour wetland delineation training course or demonstrated equivalent professional experience.
• Technical writing experience summarizing site conditions and preparing permit compliance evaluations.
• Strong working relationships with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies in Minnesota and the Dakotas (e.g., Minnesota DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).
• Experience navigating wetland/water resources permitting in Minnesota under the Clean Water Act and Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act.
• Familiarity with submitting the Joint Application Form for Activities Affecting Water Resources in Minnesota.
• Proficiency with mapping software (e.g., ArcGIS) and GPS devices.
• Ability to travel, hike, and conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather while carrying equipment up to 50 pounds. Moderate travel required, with fieldwork reaching up to 50% of time seasonally.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting threatened/endangered species assessments, environmental assessments, and biological report documentation.
• Task or project management experience.
• Technical report writing and permit application expertise related to the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and local regulations.
• Completion of the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Professional Wetland Delineator training course.
• Minnesota DNR-certified surveyor qualifications.

Benefits

• Competitive wages and performance bonuses.
• 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life, and disability plans.
• Eligibility to participate in SWCA’s 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance, training programs, education reimbursement, and publication bonuses.
• Career growth support through SWCA’s Career Landscape initiative.
• Forward-thinking workplace flexibility and an inclusive, team-oriented culture.

Pay

Salary ranges for this Minneapolis, MN-based position:

• Associate Project Wetland Scientist: $68,140/year to $91,651/year.
• Project Wetland Scientist: $74,954/year to $96,532.80/year.

Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law.

Why Work at SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm providing a full spectrum of environmental services. Our vision is to be the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee ownership. We live by our core values: collaboration (#OneSWCA), continuous learning (#AlwaysLearning), innovation (#NeverSettle), and community impact (#GiveBack).