At TKDA, our Water Resources team works to develop and implement practical, cost-effective, and maintenance friendly stormwater control measures. Designs are balanced to minimize costs while providing flood control, enhancing water quality, and protecting wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Our employee-owned and multi-disciplined team has an opportunity available for a Wetland Scientist!
As a member of our collaborative team, you will join a group of engineers, designers, planners, scientists, and technicians who have established a reputation for designing complex, safe, and efficient transportation infrastructure systems for the Department of Transportation, local agencies, railroads, Fortune 500 companies, and design/build contractors.
You will perform wetland delineations across the upper Midwest on railroad structures, railroad capacity expansions (facilities, track, and yards), and Department of Transportation projects.
**Hybrid Work Environment: Tuesday - Thursday In-Office | Monday & Friday WFH** | Remote candidates will also be considered if they possess the required experience and qualifications.
Local and overnight travel is required during the growing season (up to approximately 25%) and may be required on short notice in response to emergency projects.
What You'll Do
- Perform fieldwork activities, including data collection and site inspections
- Prepare and submit permit applications in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Coordinate permitting activities and maintain communication with regulatory agencies
- Document field observations and site conditions accurately and thoroughly
- Prepare detailed project reports that meet company, client, and agency standards
- Facilitate communication with public entities and client representatives regarding project progress
- Provide regular updates on project status, including milestones and deliverables
- Support project management tasks such as tracking budgets, expenditures, and timelines
- Ensure compliance with environmental and safety protocols throughout all phases of the project
- Contribute to the overall success of projects by collaborating with internal teams and stakeholders
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Biology, Botany, Ecology, Hydrology, or similar discipline.
- Minimum of ten years of experience performing field wetland delineations and preparing wetland delineation reports, preferably with Department of Transportation projects.
- Overall knowledge of the permitting process and prior experience preparing and coordinating permit applications for aquatic resource impacts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, federal and state agencies (DNR, PCA, EPA, etc.), and local agencies (SWCD, watershed districts, etc.).
- Working knowledge of the process to collect, organize, and submit field data using various data collection resources, including tablets and/or GPS devices.
- Strong interpersonal skills; Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills; Ability to write descriptive and technically accurate reports.
- Possession of a valid Driver’s License with a driving record that meets company requirements.
Nice to Have
- Previous experience with ArcMap and CAD platforms.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 (Drone Operator) License.
- Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification, Professional Soil Scientist (PSS), Minnesota Certified Wetland Delineator (CWD), or Wisconsin Assured Wetland Delineation Professional.
- Prior experience preparing and obtaining final approval on permit applications for aquatic resource impacts, preferably in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and/or Wyoming.
- Prior experience identifying, tracking, and securing project opportunities or cultivating/developing relations with existing and new clients.
*Important Note* To be considered for this opportunity and to perform the assigned responsibilities, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States, possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, and have the ability to travel frequently throughout the country for project assignments. Upon acceptance and as a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history. Candidates must also be able to complete and pass any drug testing requests required by TKDA, clients, and applicable state and/or federal agencies.
100% Employee-Owned
At TKDA, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 450 professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.
Comprehensive Benefits
- Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
- Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
- HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
- 401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
- ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
- Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year
Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.
TKDA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, all applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
**All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future visa sponsorship needs or requirements.** TKDA does not sponsor any type of employment visas, including but not limited to H‑1B, F‑1 OPT/CPT, TN, or other work authorization programs.
*Pre-Employment Screening*
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
***Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies***
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.
