Natural Resource 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. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talent on work that’s critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.
Your Opportunity
This is an opportunity to join Stantec in our Fargo, North Dakota office as a Natural Resource Scientist where you will perform wetland delineations, soil characterizations, habitat assessments, bird and wildlife studies, wetland mitigation and restoration plans, and natural resources inventories. Additional tasks include supporting environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) related to preparation of Environmental Impact Statements/Environmental Assessments/Biological Assessments, and state Environmental Assessment Worksheets.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Perform wetland delineations pursuant to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) guidance (e.g. 1987 Manual, Regional Supplements) and/or Natural Resources Conservation Service State Methods
- Develop wetland delineation reports including off-site precipitation and hydrological analyses
- Assist with Soil Surveys for baseline project conditions and soil resource mapping
- Assist Project Managers with NEPA compliance for actions requiring environmental review (i.e., EIS, BA/BE, Minnesota EAWs)
- Prepare USACE and state permit applications for Section 404 and state regulatory compliance including Pre-Construction Notifications, Jurisdictional Determinations, Regional General permits, Individual Permits, etc.
- Perform wetland mitigation monitoring field work and bank site plans and related reports
- Plant identification, vegetation community and habitat assessments
- Preparation of Critical Issues Analyses (CIA/Site Characterization Studies) pursuant to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Wind Energy Guidelines.
- Conduct or assist in rare species surveys and habitat assessments
- Write technical reports
- Work in a variety of sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, wetland/habitat restoration, civil engineering, transportation, real estate development, city planning, and oil & gas
- Work closely with a team of Project Managers and natural resource scientists
Your Capabilities and Credentials
- Must be comfortable with computers, technical report writing, and sub-meter GPS units and software (Trimble, Collector, Survey 123, WildNote, etc.)
- ArcGIS Online or ESRI ArcPro mapping
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Communicate effectively and function as part of a team
- Proven and demonstrated high quality technical writing skills
- An interest in ecosystems, natural resources, and the outdoors is essential
- The ability to solve problems using critical thinking and practical problem solving, complete field work with consideration to your own and the team's safety
- A sense of humor and positive attitude in all working conditions is key
- Able to work independently as well as part of a team
- Able to travel regionally and as needed
- Good driving record and valid driver’s license required
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, wetland science, soil science, biosystem engineering or related field with demonstrated experience with plant, soil, hydrology, and wetland identification and characterization in the region.
- Must have 1+ years of natural resources career experience.
- Preferred qualifications for this position include Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification, Professional Soil Scientist (PSS), Minnesota Certified Wetland Delineator (CWD) certification (or in-training), or North Dakota Professional Soil Classifier (PSC).
Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Some travel, including overnight travel, may be required for this position (up to 40%). Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather. Ability to lift and move items and equipment up to 50 lbs.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, obligations, 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.