Wetlands Biologist/Environmental Permitting Specialist

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Stock purchase option

PPTO for salaried employees

Seven paid holidays

Caregiver leave

Job summary

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. seeks a Wetlands Biologist/Environmental Permitting Specialist to join our Minneapolis-based environmental team, supporting projects across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

The role requires wetland delineations, environmental permitting, and coordination with regulatory agencies within multidisciplinary teams. Ideal candidates will have 4–8+ years of wetland science experience, knowledge of Clean Water Act permitting, and a willingness to perform fieldwork

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, or related field.
• 4–8+ years of professional experience in wetland science and environmental permitting.
• Demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineations in Minnesota.
• Working knowledge of Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting, and Section 401 Certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineations per USACE guidelines and prepare related reports.
• Prepare delineation reports, figures, and technical documentation.
• Perform vegetation, habitat, and natural resource field assessments.
• Prepare and manage environmental permit applications and approvals.
• Coordinate permitting efforts with USACE, state agencies, watershed organizations, and local governments.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, scientists, and project managers; support project delivery.

Skills

Wetland delineations

Natural resource assessments

Environmental permitting

Regulatory coordination

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology / Ecology / Environmental Science

Job description

Wetlands Biologist/Environmental Permitting Specialist

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Wetlands Biologist / Environmental Permitting Specialist to join our Minneapolis-based environmental team. This position will support a variety of transportation, municipal, utility, energy, and private development projects throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineations, natural resource assessments, and environmental permitting. This role requires a strong understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations, the ability to coordinate with regulatory agencies, and experience supporting multidisciplinary project teams from planning through construction.

Key Responsibilities

Wetland and Natural Resource Services

• Conduct wetland delineations in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements.
• Prepare wetland delineation reports, figures, and technical documentation.
• Perform vegetation, habitat, and natural resource field assessments.
• Support wetland mitigation planning, restoration, and monitoring activities.
• Conduct field investigations and environmental surveys in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Prepare and manage environmental permit applications and approvals for public and private sector projects.
• Coordinate permitting efforts with agencies, including:
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
  • State permitting agencies
  • Watershed Management Organizations
  • Local governments and municipalities
• Evaluate project impacts and develop avoidance, minimization, and mitigation strategies.
• Track permit conditions and support permit compliance during project implementation.

Project Delivery

• Collaborate with engineers, planners, scientists, and project managers.
• Support proposal development, scope preparation, and cost estimates.
• Manage tasks, schedules, and budgets for assigned projects.
• Prepare technical memoranda, reports, permit applications, and regulatory correspondence.
• Participate in client and agency meetings.
• Technical expertise in wetland ecology and regulations.
• Regulatory agency coordination.
• Project management and organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and quality assurance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• 4-8+ years of professional experience in wetland science and environmental permitting.
• Demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineations in Minnesota.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting
  • Section 401 Water Quality Certification
  • Environmental permitting processes
• Experience preparing technical reports and permit applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and willingness to perform fieldwork throughout Minnesota and the greater Midwest.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform fieldwork in wetlands, streams, wooded areas, and construction sites.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds of field equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.

Ideally you’ll also have

• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification or ability to obtain.
• Experience with NEPA environmental documentation.
• Experience supporting transportation, utility, renewable energy, or municipal infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of threatened and endangered species review processes.

#LI-AW1

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $80,900.00 to $126,425.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on September 04, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .