Environmental Scientist- Wetlands

At Wildlands Engineering, Inc., we’re passionate about restoring and protecting our natural resources— and we’re looking for a motivated Environmental Scientist who shares that passion.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Explore streams, wetlands, and diverse habitats while conducting ecological assessments, geomorphic surveys, and vegetation inventories.

• Perform wetland and stream delineations across a range of restoration and mitigation projects.

• Prepare and support Clean Water Act Section 401/404 permit applications, technical reports, and coordination with regulatory agencies.

• Contribute to important conservation efforts through endangered and threatened species surveys.

• Monitor and document site conditions to support project success.

• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team that values collaboration, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

This position offers a balance of field and office work in a fast-paced, rewarding environment where your contributions directly support the health and resilience of our ecosystems.

Company Information

Since 2007, Wildlands Engineering, Inc. has been dedicated to restoring and protecting streams, wetlands, and watersheds across the Southeast. With offices in NC, SC, VA, and TN, we partner with governments and conservation organizations to deliver innovative, ethical, and effective solutions in water resources engineering and ecological restoration. Our passionate team is driven by a shared commitment to improving water quality and building resilient ecosystems.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities As an Environmental Scientist at Wildlands, you will:

• Conduct stream and ecological assessments that support restoration projects.

• Perform stream and wetland delineations.

• Prepare and support Clean Water Act Section 401/404 permit applications and coordinate with regulatory agencies.

• Collect and analyze geomorphic data on existing and restored streams.

• Carry out vegetation surveys and organize field data for annual reports.

• Collaborate closely with team members and contribute to project success.

• Balance multiple deadlines while staying flexible and positive as priorities shift.

Qualifications We’re looking for someone who has:

• 4+ years of experience conducting stream and wetland delineations.

• 4+ years of experience preparing or supporting environmental permit applications and regulatory coordination, including 401/404 permit applications, among other permit types.

• Hands-on experience with field monitoring practices such as geomorphic surveying, vegetation sampling, or hydric soil identification.

• Strong skills in identifying Southeastern native and invasive plants.

• Familiarity with GPS units, ArcGIS Pro, and/or other ESRI data collection tools.

• Knowledge of NC SAM, NC WAM, and/or the NCDWQ Stream Identification Form.

Preferred Qualifications It’s a plus if you also bring:

• Strong technical writing skills.

• Experience working with federal and state agencies on permitting processes.

• Background in threatened and endangered species surveys.

• Experience with benthic macroinvertebrate collection and analysis.

• Confidence interacting with landowners and agency officials.

• Knowledge of the NCDWR Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Program.

• An understanding of riparian and wetland restoration processes in the Southeast.

Physical Demands To succeed in this role, you should be comfortable with:

• Walking frequently over rough or uneven terrain.

• Performing strenuous physical tasks for extended periods.

• Lifting up to 50 pounds.

• Working independently outdoors in all types of weather, including heat, cold, wet, and humid conditions.

• Handling common field challenges such as ticks and poison ivy.

Why Join Us? At Wildlands, you’ll be part of a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to restoring and protecting natural resources across the Southeast. If you’re excited to make a difference in the field of ecological restoration—and ready to grow your skills in a supportive, collaborative environment—we’d love to hear from you!