Wetland Scientist

HNTB; Chelmsford (MA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

HNTB is seeking a Scientist III to lead wetland delineations, ecological field studies and permit planning for transportation and infrastructure projects in Massachusetts. The role emphasizes environmental compliance, data analysis and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Ideal candidates bring 3–4+ years in wetlands and regulatory coordination, strong writing skills, and familiarity with MA regulatory agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or Master’s) in a related scientific field with experience in wetland work and permitting.
• Experience leading wetland delineations and ecological field studies for transportation projects.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations (e.g., Clean Water Act).
• Ability to analyze environmental data and prepare technical reports and permit applications.
• Willingness to perform fieldwork in various weather conditions and locations in MA.

Responsibilities

• Lead wetland delineations and ecological field studies for infrastructure projects.
• Prepare environmental permits, mitigation plans and regulatory correspondence.
• Coordinate with project teams and agencies, and respond to regulatory comments.
• Support project managers with technical analysis and data interpretation.
• Present findings in reports, maps, and diagrams to clients and stakeholders.
• Assist in organizing public meetings and project scheduling.

Skills

Wetland delineations

Environmental permitting

Regulatory coordination

Technical writing

Valid driver’s license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Archaeology, Anthropology or related field

Master’s degree in Geology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Archaeology, Anthropology or related field

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

What We're Looking For

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners. This opportunity entails being responsible for applying the principles and theories of geology, hydrology, chemistry, biology or other related sciences to analyze the potential effects a project may have on the environment and/or the potential effects the environment may have on the design and construction of a project. Participates in moderate to complex projects or all levels of project/program difficulty and/or may be responsible for an assigned phase of a project or program. As a member of HNTB's wetland team, you'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects while collaborating with a diverse group of wetland scientists, planners, and engineers on a wide range of transportation and infrastructure projects. The Scientist III leads wetland delineations, ecological field studies, environmental permitting, mitigation planning, and compliance efforts, while providing technical guidance to project teams. This role offers opportunities to expand technical expertise and take on increasing leadership responsibilities while contributing to some of the region's most complex and impactful infrastructure projects.

What You\'ll Do

• Conducts research, gathers scientific information and data, and leads field investigations among other supporting activities.
• Determines or develops best methodology and technical approaches for conducting analysis in field work; sets up test equipment as necessary to obtain scientific data.
• Using established prescribed templates, prepares data analysis, modeling, written reports, maps, etc. as appropriate to support findings as it pertains to the natural or man-made environment in the study area.
• Reviews and evaluates technical reports and plans of scientific aspects of proposed projects for the environmental review of projects including permitting, and development of mitigation plans.
• Examines and evaluates present and future potential environmental science effects relating to the planning, design, and construction of proposed projects.
• Serves as task lead or principal author in the preparation of reports, graphs, and diagrams on scientific aspects relating to specific projects.
• Provides technical support to project managers as situations arise during the construction of project that require scientific assistance.
• Supports the marketing efforts as assigned.
• Schedules of new and on-going projects.
• Prepares permits for public and private clients with respect to acquisition and compliance for wetland impacts, bridge construction, and/or threatened/endangered species.
• Assists in organizing, preparation of public meetings.
• Attends various meetings with clients, other engineering firms, and staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You\'ll Need

• Bachelor\'s degree in Geology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Archeology, Anthropology or related field and 4 years relevant experience, or
• Master\'s Degree in Geology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Archeology, Anthropology or related field and 3 years of relevant experience

What You\'ll Bring

• Experience leading wetland delineations, ecological field studies, environmental permitting efforts, and natural resource assessments for transportation or infrastructure projects.
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and other applicable environmental permitting requirements.
• Experience identifying wetland vegetation, soils, and hydrology; interpreting field findings; and providing technical recommendations in accordance with applicable guidance and methodologies.
• Ability to independently collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data and prepare technical reports, permit applications, environmental assessments, and regulatory correspondence.
• Experience coordinating and leading field investigations while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to research scientific literature, evaluate complex environmental issues, and apply technical findings to permitting and project development challenges.
• Experience supporting agency coordination and responding to regulatory comments and information requests.
• Ability and willingness to perform fieldwork in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Valid driver\'s license with an acceptable driving record.

What We Prefer

• Approximately 3+ years of experience conducting wetland and natural resource assessments, environmental permitting, and regulatory coordination.
• Experience leading wetland delineations and preparing complex permitting packages throughout Massachusetts and New England.
• Familiarity working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, MassDEP, conservation commissions, and other regulatory agencies.
• Experience supporting transportation, transit, bridge, railroad, resiliency, or other infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of wetland mitigation planning, restoration design, monitoring, and adaptive management strategies.
• Experience with GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro, field data collection applications, and spatial analysis tools.
• Strong technical writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT), Certified Ecologist, or other relevant professional certification is a plus.

Additional Information

Locations:
Boston, MA, Chelmsford, MA (Lexington)

The approximate pay range for Massachusetts is $89,301.41 - $133,952.12. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

#RV #EnvironmentalPlanning

Notice To Third-party Agencies

HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant\'s resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.