Lead Wetland Field Ecologist - Full Time - Midwest (MN)

Merjent, Inc.; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 37,195 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks paid vacation

10 paid holidays

Career-related training

Job summary

Merjent, Inc. in Minnesota is seeking Wetland Field Ecologists to lead ecological surveys in urban and remote settings. The role involves wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and team management with extensive travel required. Ideal candidates should have relevant degrees and experience ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Employees enjoy 4 weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, and opportunities for career growth within a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in wetland delineations and 1 year leading teams.
• Familiarity with federal and state wetland regulations.
• Strong organizational skills and project management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineations and manage geospatial data.
• Prepare technical reports for project planning and permit purposes.
• Perform various assessments and surveys on habitats and species.

Skills

Wetland delineation

Geospatial data analysis

Technical communication

MS Office proficiency

Knowledge of wetland regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, or related field

Tools

Trimble

ESRI products

Job description

Position Summary

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking highly motivated and experienced Wetland Field Ecologists to lead, manage, train, and mentor multiple crews in conducting wetland and other ecological surveys in support of utility, transportation, and development projects primarily in the Midwest, with the potential to work throughout the U.S. Primary duties include wetland and stream delineations with additional opportunities to perform threatened and endangered species surveys, functional assessments, habitat assessments, vegetation surveys, and wildlife surveys, in addition to completing associated survey reporting work.

The work environment will consist of both urban and remote field settings, which may include work in adverse weather conditions, and, in some instances, irregular and/or steep terrain. Approximately 80-90% travel is anticipated during the field season, as well as extended (10+ hour) days and/or more than 5-day work weeks. Overtime pay will apply for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week.

These are full‑time, benefits eligible opportunities with an anticipated base wage between $27 to $40 per hour depending on qualifications and experience. Ideal candidates for this position will reside in the Midwest and be familiar with federal and state regulatory agencies and their required protocols. Work schedule is flexible and focused on meeting project and project team needs.

Benefits

All full‑time employees begin their tenure at Merjent with 4 weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority. Employees receive 10 paid holidays and generous benefits and compensation packages. Merjent supports annual career‑related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineations according to the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineations Manual and applicable regional supplements.
• Collect, record, manage, and analyze geospatial data using Trimble and ESRI products.
• Prepare technical reports and memos, and other documents for project planning and permitting purposes.
• Coordinate with project teams and permitting leads to determine and verify field expectations and data collection requirements.
• Perform habitat assessments, functional assessments, vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys, and species‑specific surveys (if qualified).
• Apply situational awareness to mitigate in‑field risks and ensure compliance with industry standards and client‑specific safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Ecology, Soil Science, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience conducting wetland delineations with at least 1 year experience leading wetland delineation teams.
• Knowledge of federal and state wetland regulations.
• Experience with USACE Atypical and Problem Wetland Areas methodology is preferred.
• Familiarity using Trimble and ESRI products.
• Midwest field work experience.
• Excellent oral and written technical communication and organizational skills, and ability to strategize on multiple concurrent projects of varying size and complexity.
• Competency in general MS Office applications (Word, Excel) required.
• Ability to conduct field work for 10+ hours per day, sometimes in adverse conditions carrying equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work weekends, multiple week shifts away from home and regularly work more than 40 hours per week.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record and able to pass a pre‑employment drug screen.

Legal and Equivalency

Merjent, Inc. participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E‑Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability‑related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.