Job Description

Natural Resources Scientist – Chicagoland Area

Location: Chicagoland OR Milwaukee area

Salary Range: $85,000 - $108,000

Mid-Senior Level | Level Determined by Experience

Make a lasting impact on wetlands, natural resources, and environmental compliance across the Upper Midwest, while growing your career with a respected environmental consulting firm. This role offers the opportunity to work on diverse, meaningful projects throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, with a strong balance of fieldwork, project leadership, and client collaboration.

General Responsibilities:

• Prepare permit applications, risk assessments, and technical documentation – including proposals, reports, and regulatory agency correspondence.

• Design environmental protection plans and support sustainable site development initiatives.

Projects May Include:

• Ecological and natural resource field surveys.

• Wetland and waters of the U.S. delineations, impact assessments, and permitting.

• Wetland mitigation.

• Stormwater management.

• Site planning and regulatory permitting.

• Habitat assessments and agency coordination.

This Position Offers:

• Exposure to high‑profile environmental and wetland projects throughout the Upper Midwest.

• The ability to shape project outcomes and client relationships.

• Clear pathways for technical advancement and leadership growth.

• A strong mix of fieldwork, analysis, and project management.

• Long‑term career development within a stable, well‑established firm.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Plan, lead, and execute environmental and wetland projects of moderate to high complexity, from fieldwork through reporting.

• Perform and oversee wetland delineations, ecological field surveys, sampling, and scientific analyses.

• Ensure projects meet federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and quality standards.

• Serve as a technical resource and team lead, mentoring junior scientists and coordinating field staff.

• Develop and review technical reports, permit applications, and client proposals.

• Analyze and interpret complex field and laboratory data to support defensible conclusions.

• Collaborate directly with clients, regulators, and internal teams on project planning and delivery.

• Uphold safety, quality, and professional standards on all projects

• Progress toward Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer certification with structured mentoring.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Engineering, Geology, Archaeology, or related discipline. Master’s degree or PhD preferred.

• Minimum of 7 years’ related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 11 years’ related experience.

• Demonstrated senior-level experience in waters of the U.S./permitting, listed species, or NEPA.

• Section 401/404 permitting and/or listed species experience needed.

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.

• Certification in the field of expertise required.

• Wisconsin DNR Assured wetland delineator credentials preferred.

• Illinois Lake County and DuPage County Wetland certification preferred.

• Knowledge of WDNR, IL state and local and USACE jurisdictional wetland regulations.

• Familiarity using Trimble and ESRI products.

The expected salary range for this position is listed below. The base range may be adjusted based on the specific location of the applicant. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Minimum $84900 - Maximum $131700
About Terracon
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.

Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.