Ecological Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Let’s Do great things—Together

At Shive-Hattery, we believe great design starts with great people. We’re a full-service architecture and engineering firm with a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and putting people first, our clients and each other. If you’re looking for a place where your ideas matter and your growth is supported, you’ll feel at home here.

Why This Role Matters

As a NEPA Specialist with 5+ years of experience you’ll play a key role in supporting the firm and shaping projects that make a difference—from concept through completion. You’ll collaborate with talented teammates, contribute your expertise, and help us deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions for those we serve.

At Shive-Hattery, we help our clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes with ease. We ensure proactive compliance with key environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Our approach and use of the latest and best methods help clients achieve their project goals while protecting our natural resources.

What You’ll Do 

• Lead natural resource evaluations and permitting efforts for numerous project types with the primary projects being transportation related
• Coordinating fieldwork and reporting, report writing, providing technical guidance to staff, and engaging proactively with clients, stakeholders, and contractors
• The ideal candidate will have established relationships with local, state, and federal permitting agencies, with focused experience in NEPA planning and compliance, and a strong understanding of key environmental programs
• Developing required transportation NEPA documentation for Categorical Exclusions and Environmental Assessments, interfacing with agencies (e.g., lead federal agency, state agencies, State Historic Preservation Office [SHPO], USACE, USFWS) to secure necessary reviews and guidance, and coordinating a multidisciplinary team 
• Navigating federal, state, and local regulations, and liaising with transportation agencies such as DOT, and FHWA and keeping a pulse of evolving environmental law 
• Engaging with engineers to integrate environmental considerations and facilitating cross disciplinary work 

You don’t need to check every box to succeed here. If your experience aligns with many of the items below and you’re excited about the work we do, we encourage you to apply.

• Comprehensive Background in Environmental regulatory compliance, transportation projects and coordination with DOT and FHWA is required.
• Bachelor's degree in planning, biology, ecology, soils, environmental science, environmental policy, natural resource management, or related field
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance
• Working knowledge of NEPA compliance in accordance with FHWA guidelines required
• Proficiency in interpreting site plans, topographic maps, aerial photographs, and other mapping resources
• Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with teams while independently pursuing NEPA compliance with a client-focused mindset

What will make you stand out 

• Business acumen, a strong work ethic, and excellent problem solving-abilities
• Exceptional ability to communicate across written and spoken mediums
• Ability to contribute and work well with a team

Our Commitment to You

Great work happens when you feel secure in your future, confident in your support, and trusted to grow. That’s why our benefits support your health, financial stability, and life beyond work — including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, 401(k) retirement savings, disability protection, wellness incentives, and flexibility. When we succeed, you share in that success. Guided by truth, trust, mentoring, and care, we’re committed to helping you build a lasting career.

Who We Are

Shive-Hattery is a privately held architecture and engineering consulting firm with design offices across the United States. Here, you’ll work alongside multidisciplinary teams delivering integrated design solutions for clients across industries. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects guided by our principle to design what matters and make our world a better place. You’re looking to build something great. So are we.

Shive-Hattery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

This position is primarily performed in an office or hybrid environment and may require travel to project sites, other Shive-Hattery office locations or to meet with clients. A full clean driver’s license is required. The role involves sitting, standing, and working at a computer for extended periods. May also require lifting light to medium weight objects of up to 50 lbs., the wearing of PPE and navigating active construction sites. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

If this role sounds like a fit for your skills and interests, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us design what matters to make the world a better place. Interested applicants should submit their cover letter, resume, and portfolio for consideration. If you are unable to submit your portfolio due to size constraints, please include a link to your portfolio in your cover letter.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies:

To protect the interests of all parties, Shive-Hattery and its partners will not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from a recruiter or staffing agency who is not operating under an executed recruiting or staffing services contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or otherwise submit unsolicited candidate information in any form.