Environmental Scientist / Wetland Scientist
Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Our passion for our communities and the environment drives our work. We’re a place to apply your expertise and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that’s critical to our clients and the communities they support. We know what it takes to balance competing project interests with creativity and efficiency, all while effectively and efficiently getting the job done – the right way. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.
Your Opportunity
We are seeking an exceptionally talented and enthusiastic Environmental Scientist with 3-5 years of experience in leading field teams that has a keen interest in the natural sciences to join our Michigan team. This person is a passionate individual with strong natural resource expertise ready to assist our project teams with wetland delineations, natural resource permitting, wildlife surveys, aquatic surveys, ecosystem restoration, erosion control and construction oversight and other opportunities as needed. The candidate will work closely with project managers, staff scientists and senior scientists with development and delivery of environmental studies for projects involving electric transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, wind and solar electric generation facilities, wetland and stream restorations and other projects for private, municipal, state, and Federal clients. This is a full-time (40+-hour work week) position. Stantec will be responsible for training and travel expenses. This position will initially include working in Michigan and various locations throughout the Midwest, with future opportunities to work with other Stantec staff around the United States.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Delineating and characterizing wetlands and other water resources;
- Conducting botanical surveys, natural community mapping, wildlife surveys and habitat assessments, stream and wetland functional assessments, and mitigation monitoring;
- Assisting with the coordination and management of environmental permitting, assessment, and/or compliance work related to various federal and state agency requirements as they pertain to a variety of project types including natural gas pipelines, renewables, electrical transmission and distribution facilities, transportation, and development projects;
- Other technical duties may include assisting with other biological surveys, including avian, bat, and mussel surveys;
- Assisting with the preparation, review, and editing 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;
- Attending client and regulatory agency meetings and providing recommendations and input;
- Responsible for delivering the technical components of environmental projects and providing support to Project Managers;
- May assist in providing input to proposals or pursuits of various sizes and complexity;
- Performs independent studies to form conclusions that are reviewed by senior professionals;
- Completing office tasks such as data management, analysis and interpretation; report preparation, preparation of environmental approval applications and other general tasks;
- Writing technical reports for client and regulatory agency review;
- GPS data collection and mapping support;
- ArcGIS online mapping and data collection applications;
- Environmental construction monitoring;
- Record, enter, organize, manage, and analyze data; and
- Assist with and prepare portions of written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for client and regulatory agency review.
Your Capabilities and Credentials
- An interest in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, natural resource conservation and enhancement, and the outdoors is essential;
- Strong wetland delineation, ecological community restoration and plant and animal identification skills are preferred;
- The ability to solve problems using critical thinking and to complete tasks with consideration to their own and the team's safety is important;
- A positive attitude in all working conditions is key;
- Dedication to successful project execution and technical excellence;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including exceptional MS Office skills;
- Strong note-taking skills and attention to detail;
- Experienced at working well in a team atmosphere and independently as required;
- Working understanding of policies and procedures for Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), including client-specific training (as required);
- Working knowledge of field sampling techniques;
- Must have the willingness to learn new skills while conducting field work;
- Conscientious, organized, and disciplined;
- Builds and maintains productive professional and personal networking relationships within their technical team and Business Center;
- Good driving record and valid driver’s license required;
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen, alcohol screen, and baseline physical
- Willingness to travel and conduct field work in potentially remote areas for extended periods including overnight travel is expected for this position. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather; and
- Ability to walk up to 10 miles per day and to lift up to 50 lbs.
Education and Experience
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in an environmental (botany, biology, ecology, natural resources, wildlife biology, or related field) discipline with demonstrated experience with biological surveys in the region;
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience delineating wetlands according to US Army Corps of Engineers Manual and the corresponding Regional Supplements is required;
- Completion of a wetland delineation training course is preferred;
- Demonstrated academic and professional experience with plant, soil, and wetland identification and characterization in the region;
- Must be comfortable with computers and iPad GPS units or other similar GPS based survey equipment; and
- Technical writing skills are essential for this position.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.