Natural Resources Scientist - WI or IL

Terracon; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon seeks a Natural Resources Scientist to lead wetlands and environmental projects across Illinois and Wisconsin, combining fieldwork with reporting and client coordination.

Onsite work at Cudahy, WI or Chicago, IL or Glendale Heights, IL; mentor junior staff; prepare permit applications and technical documents while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field; master's preferred.
• 7+ years of related experience; or 11+ years without a degree.
• Senior-level experience with waters of the U.S./permitting and NEPA.
• Valid driver's license and required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and execute environmental and wetland projects from fieldwork to reporting.
• Perform wetland delineations, ecological surveys, sampling, and analyses.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and quality standards on projects.
• Mentor junior scientists and coordinate field staff; develop reports and permits.

Skills

Waters of the U.S./permitting

Listed species

NEPA

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

Trimble

ESRI

Job description

Role: Natural Resources Scientist

Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin or Chicago, IL or Glendale Heights, IL

Onsite/Hybrid

Full-Time

Salary Range: $85,000 - $108,000

Mid-Senior Level | Level Determined by Experience

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. 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.

General 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.

Projects May Include:

• Ecological and natural resource field surveys.
• Wetland and waters of the U.S. delineations, impact assessments, and permitting.
• Wetland mitigation.
• Stormwater management.
• Site planning and regulatory permitting.
• Habitat assessments and agency coordination.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Plan, lead, and execute environmental and wetland projects of moderate to high complexity, from fieldwork through reporting.
• 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.