Senior Wetland Ecologist

WSP in the U.S.; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 74,200 - 146,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Job summary

WSP is seeking a full-time wetland ecologist for the Earth and Environment Sector – North Mountain Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group, operating across the North Mountain region and states including Oregon. The role emphasizes leading wetland delineation, intricate permitting efforts, and coordination with USACE and state agencies.

The candidate will perform field surveys for rare plants and sensitive wildlife, collaborate with a larger project team, and travel as needed across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology or related field.
• 5+ years of field experience leading and permitting aquatic resource delineation efforts.
• 5+ years of prior consulting work, ideally with linear corridor projects such as pipelines or electric transmission.
• Familiarity with USACE protocols and state survey requirements for aquatic resources.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and professionalism.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in remote conditions independently or as part of a small survey team.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Willingness and ability to periodically travel throughout the region and potentially across the U.S.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and adherence to policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead wetland field delineation and permitting efforts.
• Support and help build the environmental project team on various projects.
• Support biological field surveys including rare plants and wildlife species.
• Coordinate with federal and state permitting requirements (NEPA and others).
• Collaborate with team and adhere to safety policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Skills

Wetland delineation

Field surveys

USACE protocols

Communication skills

Remote work independence

Travel flexibility

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology

Tools

CRAM

ORWAP

MWAM

Job description

Job Opportunity

WSP is seeking a full‑time wetland ecologist for our Earth and Environment Sector – North Mountain Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group working out of the North Mountain region – including Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming, and Oregon. The position requires a detail‑oriented candidate with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment. We seek a candidate with an established and successful history completing wetland surveys and associated permitting, as well as supporting additional wildlife and botanical surveys. The applicant must have the experience to complete and manage wetland field surveys required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state regulatory agencies. Effective communication skills are essential, especially during fieldwork and collaboration with a larger team.

Your Impact

• Support and help build the environmental project team working on transmission lines, fire hardening, renewable energy, oil and gas pipelines, transportation projects, environmental surveys, NEPA analyses, and permitting services.
• Lead wetland field delineation and permitting efforts throughout the North Mountain Region, including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
• Support biological field surveys that will include surveys for rare plants and threatened, endangered, and Sensitive wildlife species.
• Serve as lead wetland ecologist and biologist for permitting efforts that will include federal permitting (NEPA) and state level requirements.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making by adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or other related field.
• Five (5)+ years of field experience leading and permitting aquatic resource delineation efforts.
• Five (5)+ years of prior consulting work, ideally with linear corridor projects such as pipelines or electric transmission.
• Familiarity with USACE protocols and state survey requirements for aquatic resources.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and professionalism.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in remote conditions independently or as part of a small survey team.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Willingness and ability to periodically travel throughout the region and potentially across the U.S.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Wetland Scientist certification.
• Functional Assessment experience – e.g., CRAM, ORWAP, MWAM.
• Northwest state permitting experience – e.g., Oregon Department of State Lands, Washington Department of Ecology.
• Extensive Clean Water Act permitting (Section 404, 401, 408).
• Experience writing and managing the preparation of technical reports or permit applications.
• Experience organizing and managing complex field survey efforts for transmission line, pipeline, or renewable energy projects.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $74,200 - $146,900.

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $83,600 - $137,900.