Lead Wetland Scientist

Stantec; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Stantec in the United States is seeking an ecologist specializing in wetlands to support projects across renewable energy, transportation, and development. You will perform wetland delineation, ecological assessments, and help ensure regulatory compliance on diverse sites.

This role emphasizes collaboration, field surveys, data management, and travel regionally up to 75%. A BS in science and wetland experience are required, with PWS as a plus; the team values safety, ethics, and client service.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor of Science Degree with 3 to 5 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience with plant, soil, and wetland identification and characterization in the region.
• Experience in leading wetland delineations according to US Army Corps of Engineers Manual and the corresponding Regional Supplements.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% and the ability to work in the field for long hours in adverse weather conditions.
• Mapping and data collection applications (Field Maps and Survey123).

Responsibilities

• Wetland and water resource delineation and characterization.
• Botanical surveys, habitat mapping, endangered species assessments.
• Prepare wetland delineation and technical reports for clients/regulators.
• Support environmental permitting and compliance for federal/state requirements.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary environmental assessments.
• Data management and analysis.
• Attend client/regulatory meetings and provide input.
• Possible wildlife surveys and ecological restoration tasks.

Skills

Team player

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Note-taking

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree

Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification (preferred)

Tools

Field Maps

Survey123

Job description

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that’s critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.

Your Opportunity

Join a collaborative team focused on ecology and wetland sciences. Work includes wetland delineation, ecological assessments, and regulatory compliance for diverse projects (renewable energy, transmission, transportation, private development).

Your Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include:

• Wetland and water resource delineation and characterization.
• Botanical surveys, habitat mapping, endangered species assessments.
• Prepare wetland delineation and technical reports for clients/regulators.
• Support environmental permitting and compliance for federal/state requirements.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary environmental assessments.
• Data management and analysis.
• Attend client/regulatory meetings and provide input.
• Possible wildlife surveys and ecological restoration tasks.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

The ideal candidate will be a team player and have exceptional oral and written communication skills; and organizational and note-taking skills. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate most of the following abilities:

• Army Corps of Engineers Basic Delineation Training, or approved equivalent.
• Ability to interface effectively and collaborate with clients, peers, management, and vendors to successfully meet shifting needs.
• Ability to manage risks and safety appropriately, manage information, and provide exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to work well under pressure, and to prioritize and balance sometimes heavy workloads to achieve goals while keeping up with a highly mobile and changing environment.
• Work well with others and keep other team members aware of project and client needs.
• Able and willing to travel regionally with overnight stays as needed
• Good driving record and valid driver’s license required

Education and Experience

• Minimum Bachelor of Science Degree with 3 to 5 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience with plant, soil, and wetland identification and characterization in the region.
• Experience in leading wetland delineations according to US Army Corps of Engineers Manual and the corresponding Regional Supplements.
• Preference will be given to those who have experience completing state specific wetland function and value and stream assessments.
• Preferred qualifications for this position include Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification, or a state-specific certification or licensure related to wetland science.
• Willingness to travel (up to 75%) and the ability to work in the field for long hours in adverse weather conditions.
• Mapping and data collection applications (Field Maps and Survey123).

Pay Range

• Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, ME, NY, VA Areas-$73,000.00 - $105,900.00 Annually

#INDES

Primary Location: United States | WI | Mequon

Other Locations: United States | IL | Chicago

Organization: 1937 EnvSvcs-US Great Lakes East-Columbus OH

Employee Status: Regular

Business Justification: New Position

Travel: Yes

Schedule: Full time

Job Posting: 31/07/2026 02:07:12

Req ID: 1007050

#additional

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.