Senior Wetland Ecologist

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

Job summary

WSP is seeking a full-time wetland ecologist to join the Earth and Environment Sector – North Mountain Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group, serving the North Mountain Region across MT, WY, CO, UT, ID, WA, and OR. The role requires independent work and teamwork with a track record in wetland surveys and permitting.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s in a related field and 5+ years of field and consulting experience, familiarity with USACE protocols, and excellent written and oral

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field.
• Five (5)+ years of field experience leading and permitting aquatic resource delineation.
• Five (5)+ years of consulting work, ideally with linear corridor projects.
• 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.
• Must be able to work in remote conditions and independently or as part of a small survey team as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Must be willing and able to periodically travel throughout the region with potential travel throughout the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Lead wetland field delineation and permitting efforts throughout the North Mountain Region, including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Driving license

Ability to work remotely

Education

Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field

Job description

Job Description

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 will be filled by a detail‑oriented candidate, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment. An established and successful history completing wetland surveys and associated permitting, as well as supporting additional wildlife and botanical surveys, is desired. The candidate 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 important for success in this role, especially while completing field work and working as part of 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 prior consulting work, ideally with linear corridor projects, e.g., pipelines and/or electric transmission.
• Familiarity with the 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.
• Must be able to work in remote conditions and independently or as part of a small survey team as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Must be willing and able to periodically travel throughout the region with potential travel throughout 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 – i.e., CRAM, ORWAP, MWAM, etc.
• Northwest state permitting experience – i.e., Oregon Department of State Lands, Washington Department of Ecology.
• Extensive Clean Water Act permitting (Section 404, 401, 408).
• Experience in 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 providing 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 (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

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

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.