Wetland Scientist

Actalent; Kansas; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Wetland Scientist to delineate wetlands and water resources, conduct field surveys, and support environmental assessments.

The role involves extensive travel, independent fieldwork, and preparing technical reports and permit documents for clients and agencies. Candidates should have 5–10 years of wetland delineation experience, GIS proficiency, and strong written/verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• This role requires a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, botany, soil science, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of field experience in wetland delineation and environmental assessments.
• Experience with wetland delineation per US Army Corps of Engineers guidance and regional supplements.
• Strong knowledge of local vegetation and soils relevant to wetland ID and classification.
• Proficiency in botanical surveys, natural community mapping, wildlife habitat assessments, and ecological impact assessments.
• Experience with ArcGIS tools, including Field Maps and Survey123.
• Familiarity with state and federal environmental permitting processes.
• Ability to travel extensively and work outdoors in variable weather, often in remote environments.
• Project/task management experience including planning, organizing, and tracking field/reporting tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication for technical reports and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Delineate wetlands and water resources per delineation manuals and regional supplements.
• Perform independent field studies including botanical surveys and habitat assessments.
• Support field assignment planning, scheduling, and coordination of activities.
• Prepare and review technical reports, delineation reports, and permit documents.
• Contribute expertise to project teams during client and regulatory meetings.
• Assist with proposal development by providing field data and scope details.
• Manage data, reports, and tables for clients and regulatory agencies.
• Use GPS, ArcGIS Field Maps, and Survey123 for data collection and mapping.
• Participate in ecological restoration planning and related tasks as needed.
• Support biological surveys and other duties to assist project needs.
• Ensure fieldwork and documentation follow regulatory guidance and QA procedures.

Skills

Field data collection

Outdoor work

Project coordination

Technical reporting

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, botany, soil science, or related field

Tools

ArcGIS Field Maps

Survey123

ArcGIS

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Wetland Scientist

Job Description

This role focuses on delineating wetlands and other water resources, conducting independent ecological field studies, and supporting environmental assessments and permitting efforts. The wetland scientist contributes technical expertise to a variety of projects, prepares detailed reports and mapping products for clients and agencies, and helps plan and manage field assignments. This position offers a direct placement opportunity with extensive travel, engaging fieldwork, and significant room for professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Delineate wetlands and other water resources in accordance with the US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and applicable Regional Supplements.
• Perform independent field studies, including botanical surveys, natural community mapping, wildlife habitat assessments, and ecological impact assessments.
• Support project planning for field assignments, including task management, scheduling, and coordination of field activities.
• Assist with the preparation and review of technical documents such as wetland and waterbody delineation reports, threatened and endangered species habitat assessments, environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, permit applications, and other technical reports.
• Contribute technical expertise to project teams by supporting lead scientists and project managers during client and regulatory meetings.
• Assist with proposal development by providing technical input, field data, and scope details.
• Prepare, organize, and manage data, reports, and tables for submission to clients and regulatory agencies.
• Use GPS and ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123 for field data collection, mapping, and documentation.
• Participate in ecological restoration planning and related technical tasks as needed.
• Assist with biological surveys and other assigned duties to support project and team needs.
• Ensure fieldwork and documentation follow applicable regulatory guidance, technical standards, and internal quality procedures.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, botany, soil science, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of relevant field experience in wetland delineation and environmental assessments.
• Demonstrated experience in wetland delineation in accordance with US Army Corps of Engineers guidance and regional supplements.
• Strong knowledge of local and regional vegetation and soils relevant to wetland identification and classification.
• Proficiency in conducting botanical surveys, natural community mapping, wildlife habitat assessments, and ecological impact assessments.
• Experience with and proficiency in data entry and management using ArcGIS tools, including Field Maps and Survey123.
• Familiarity with state and federal environmental permitting processes and associated documentation.
• Ability to travel extensively and work outdoors in variable weather conditions, often in remote or rugged environments.
• Task or project management experience, including planning, organizing, and tracking field and reporting tasks.
• Strong written communication skills for preparing technical reports, assessments, and permit documentation.
• Effective verbal communication skills for collaborating with project teams and participating in client and regulatory meetings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred Master's degree in environmental science, ecology, botany, soil science, or a related field.
• Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) or Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification or eligibility.
• Experience preparing environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, and threatened and endangered species habitat assessments.
• Experience contributing to ecological restoration planning and implementation.
• Familiarity with GPS-based field data collection methods and integration with GIS workflows.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple assignments, datasets, and deadlines.
• Interest in professional development and growth within wetland science and environmental consulting.
• Motivation to work on diverse projects that involve fieldwork, travel, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Work Environment

This position involves approximately 60% travel, with frequent field assignments that require working outdoors in variable weather conditions and diverse terrain. When not traveling, the wetland scientist may have flexibility to work either in an office setting or remotely, depending on project needs. The role relies heavily on GPS units