Associate Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

About the opportunity
SWCA's Indianapolis team is seeking an Associate Project Wetland Scientist to join our growing Natural Resources team. We are looking for dynamic individuals who are passionate about delivering high-quality environmental consulting services and contributing to impactful renewable energy, transmission, and infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest.
The successful candidate will possess a broad range of skills, including identification of Midwestern plant and wildlife species, strong attention to detail, organizational skills, willingness to learn, effective communication, and time management abilities.
This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), salaried, exempt position based in Indianapolis, Indiana, supporting projects throughout Indiana and surrounding Midwestern states. This is primarily a field-based position with opportunities to support office-based work, including technical reporting and permitting, as project needs require. Travel is expected approximately 60-70% of the time during the active field season, including overnight travel.
What you will accomplish

• Lead field crews and collect field data during natural resources surveys, including aquatic resource delineations, botanical surveys, and habitat assessments in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance.
• Apply environmental compliance expertise to support renewable energy, transmission, and infrastructure projects involving the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and other natural resource regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, permit applications, and environmental compliance documentation.
• Support projects as a task lead and/or project manager depending on experience level and career aspirations.
• Use topographic maps, aerial imagery, GPS units, GIS tools, and other resources to plan and execute field studies.
• Independently conduct fieldwork or lead field crews performing wetland delineations, vegetation surveys, protected species and habitat assessments, and construction compliance monitoring.
• Prepare field equipment, coordinate field logistics, and oversee survey implementation and data management activities.
• Process, review, and analyze environmental data.
• Take responsibility for team safety, develop safety plans when applicable, and proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards.

Experience and qualifications for success
Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Fisheries and Wildlife Science, Ecology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience conducting environmental site investigations, including wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and related natural resource surveys within the Midwest and surrounding regions.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience leading field crews conducting wetland and aquatic resource delineations using U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manuals and applicable regional supplements.
• Completion of a 38-hour wetland delineation training course or demonstrated equivalent professional experience.
• Experience preparing natural resource reports and permit applications associated with Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
• Technical writing experience, including preparation of environmental reports, permit applications, and compliance evaluations.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS, GPS devices, and other field data collection technologies.
• Ability to travel to project sites, hike over uneven terrain, and conduct fieldwork for extended periods in varying weather conditions while carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel overnight for up to 1-2 weeks at a time, with approximately 60-70% travel during the active field season.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet SWCA's driver qualification requirements.

Preferred qualifications:

• Indiana Assured Wetland Delineator certification.
• Five (5) or more years of experience conducting wetland delineations, protected species habitat surveys, ecological assessments, and environmental permitting within the Midwest.
• Strong working relationships with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies, including agencies in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and surrounding states.
• Task management and/or project management experience.
• Experience supporting renewable energy, electric transmission, transportation, or other large-scale infrastructure projects.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 100% employee-owned company that offers a full range of environmental services. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges, all while staying true to our commitment to employee ownership. At SWCA, we live our core values every day: we collaborate as #OneSWCA, we're #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices across the country, we're proud to be one of the largest environmental compliance firms in the U.S. and to rank among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.
SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. In alignment with this commitment, we post good faith pay ranges in all job postings.
An employee in this Indiana-based position can expect a salary of $68,140.80 to $87,447.36/year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package (https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.
We offer a supportive, team-focused work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits-including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future. At SWCA, we're committed to helping our team members grow into industry leaders. Our award-winning Career Landscape program offers a clear and structured path to meaningful career development. We support your growth through conference attendance, internal and external training, education reimbursement, and bonuses for qualifying publications. All regular-status employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, as well as access to our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCA's 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.
SWCA continues to invest in our people. We value the skills and experience of our internal team members and strongly encourage qualified employees to apply for open positions. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible, offering meaningful opportunities for career growth.
Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.
If you need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.
EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.
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