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Environmental Scientist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Stantec

Environmental Scientist

Independence, IA · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Our Environmental Services group is dedicated to managing environmental issues professionally and proactively. Our staff of professionals ...

Stantec

Environmental Scientist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$73K - $96K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Our Environmental Services group is dedicated to managing environmental issues professionally and proactively. Our staff of professionals ...

Sigma Earth

Environmental Scientist

Nevada, IA · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Introduction Arcadis seeks a junior Environmental Scientist in Nevada to support field surveys, environmental assessments, permitting, and compliance for linear and renewable projects. The successful ...

Apex Companies

Environmental Scientist 1

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

Apex Companies is hiring an Environmental Scientist 1 based out of our Urbandale, IA location. Your Responsibilities as an Environmental Scientist 1: * Perform field work on a dynamic portfolio of ...

Apex Companies

Environmental Scientist 1

Des Moines, IA

$50K - $60K/yr

Apex Companies is hiring an Environmental Scientist 1 based out of our Urbandale, IA location. Your Responsibilities as an Environmental Scientist 1: * Perform field work on a dynamic portfolio of ...

Apex Companies

Environmental Scientist 1

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Apex Companies is hiring an Environmental Scientist 1 based out of our Urbandale, IA location. Your Responsibilities as an Environmental Scientist 1: * Perform field work on a dynamic portfolio of ...

GHD

Senior Environmental Scientist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

Our Central Environmental business is looking for a Senior Environmental Scientist to join their team, based out of Des Moines, IA. This role is responsible for supporting a wide range of ...

GHD Group

Senior Environmental Scientist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

Our Central Environmental business is looking for a Senior Environmental Scientist to join their team, based out of Des Moines, IA. This role is responsible for supporting a wide range of ...

Varsity Tutors

AP Environmental Science Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online AP Environmental Science tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland.

Global Treks and Adventures

$16.50 - $21/hr

Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland.

Bhegts

Lead Environmental Auditor

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, environmental sciences or the physical sciences. (Typically four years of related, progressive work experience in the environmental ...

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All JobsEnvironmental Scientist JobsEnvironmental Scientist Jobs in Iowa

Environmental Scientist information

See Iowa salary details

$38.5K

$79K

$115.5K

How much do environmental scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental scientist in Iowa is $79,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental scientist?

Environmental Scientists are professionals who study the environment and find ways to protect it from pollution and other hazards. They analyze air, water, and soil samples to identify environmental problems and develop solutions to minimize human impact on the environment. Their work often involves conducting research, preparing reports, and advising organizations and governments on environmental policies. Environmental Scientists play a crucial role in sustainability and conservation efforts worldwide.

What does an environmental scientist do?

Environmental scientists conduct research designed to recognize hazardous conditions that affect the environment or public health, such as pollution or water contamination, and suggest ways to control or remove them. This research generally involves collecting and analyzing various environmental samples, examining published data from other scientists, and exploring connections between the results and human activity. Environmental scientists need to be excellent communicators and writers, preparing reports, research papers, and presentations that demonstrate and defend their findings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental scientist?

To thrive as an Environmental Scientist, you need a solid background in environmental science or related fields, strong analytical skills, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental modeling tools, and data analysis programs is often required, along with relevant certifications like HAZWOPER. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for collaboration and effective reporting. These competencies are vital for accurately assessing environmental issues, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving impactful solutions.

What are some common challenges environmental scientists face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Environmental Scientists often collaborate with professionals from engineering, policy, and public health backgrounds. A common challenge is translating scientific findings into actionable recommendations that are understandable to non-scientists. Balancing differing priorities, such as regulatory compliance versus environmental protection, can also create tension. Effective communication and adaptability are essential for ensuring that environmental concerns are accurately represented and integrated into broader project goals.

What is the difference between Environmental Scientist vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental ScientistEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or related field; often advanced degrees for specialized rolesAssociate's or bachelor's degree in environmental technology or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research labs, data analysis, report writingField sampling, data collection, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, consulting firms, research institutionsEnvironmental service companies, government agencies, industrial sites

Environmental Scientists and Environmental Technicians both work to protect the environment, but Scientists focus on research, data analysis, and developing solutions, while Technicians primarily collect samples and perform field tests. Their roles complement each other within environmental projects.

Do environmental scientists get paid a lot?

Environmental scientists typically earn a median annual salary that is around the national average for science and engineering occupations, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries. Overall, environmental science is considered a moderately paying field compared to other scientific careers.

What jobs can I do with environmental scientist?

Environmental scientists can work in roles such as environmental consultant, conservation scientist, environmental analyst, or sustainability specialist. They often work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, utilizing skills in data collection, environmental assessment, and regulatory compliance.
More about Environmental Scientist jobs

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For Environmental Scientist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in Iowa with the most Environmental Scientist job openings:

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For Environmental Scientist jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Environmental Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Scientist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,014 per year, or $38 per hour.

Environmental Scientist

Stantec

Independence, IA • On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Stantec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 453 rated engineering

Job description

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We're a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that is critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.
Our Environmental Services group is dedicated to managing environmental issues professionally and proactively. Our staff of professionals includes specialists in marine biology, wetland science, wildlife biology, soil science, fisheries biology, botany, hydrogeology, hydrology, forestry, habitat and ecosystem restoration, permitting, GIS, and Information Management. We help our clients identify and respond to opportunities and threats within constantly changing regulatory and corporate environments, through active engagement with the public, stakeholder groups, and governmental regulators. Our team members have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of projects that may include endangered species assessments, environmental impact assessment, habitat restoration, wetland characterizations, and water resources management.
Your Opportunity
We are seeking an exceptionally talented and enthusiastic individual with a keen interest in the natural sciences to join our Midwest team and advance their career. We have an opportunity for you that focuses on protecting threatened and endangered species and their habitats throughout Iowa. The Environmental Scientist position will primarily be responsible for assessing impacts of transportation projects under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, consultation and coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, implementation of avoidance and mitigation measures to preserve and mitigate unavoidable impacts, and other related work as required.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Review proposed transportation project concepts and plans to assess potential impacts on protected species, critical habitats, and other protected areas (e.g., Loess Hills, forested land) as provided for in state, federal, and local environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Serve as Federal Highway Administration designee for consultation with regulatory agencies.
  • Attend meetings and work closely with internal transportation engineers, planners, wetland biologists, cultural resources managers, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff to review/minimize/mitigate projects cohesively.
  • Coordinate the minimization and mitigation of unavoidable project impacts to protected species, critical habitats, and other sensitive areas.
  • Occasional overnight travel required.
  • Other duties may include, but are not limited to, participating in multi-disciplinary environmental assessments; recording, entering, organizing, managing, and analyzing data; writing technical reports for client and regulatory agency review; and attending client and regulatory agency meetings and providing recommendations and input.

Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Knowledge of and/or experience with federal, state, and/or local environmental permitting processes specifically related to endangered species, ESA, MBTA, BGEPA, and/or NEPA.
  • Ideal candidate will be a team player and have exceptional oral and written communication, and presentation skills; analytical and creative problem-solving skills; and organizational and note-taking skills.
  • Effective leadership and management skills.
  • Work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Maintains an attitude of determination and dedication.
  • Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Addresses and listens to others in a respectful manner.
  • Ability to interface effectively and collaborate with clients, peers, management, and vendors to successfully meet shifting needs.
  • Ability to interface effectively and collaborate with clients, peers, management, and vendors to successfully meet shifting needs.
  • Integrates work across relevant areas, develop the business and services to enhance customer satisfaction and productivity, manage risks and safety appropriately, manage information, and provide exceptional service to internal and external customers.
  • Effective in resource planning, results delivery, and staying current with relevant technology and innovation.
  • Strong ethics, influence and negotiation, leadership, the ability to effectively manage stress and engage in continuous learning.
  • Ability to motivate self and others to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
  • Works well under pressure. Can prioritize and balance sometimes heavy workloads to achieve goals while keeping up with a highly mobile and changing environment.
  • Works well with others and keeps other team members aware of project and client needs.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
  • Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science, natural resources, ecology, wildlife, or related biological field.
  • 2 to 4 years of relevant experience, preferably working on transportation projects.
  • Must live within 1 hour Ames, Iowa.

This position primarily involves working in an office environment with computers. This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.
Primary Location: United States | IA | Des Moines
Other Locations: United States | IA | Independence
Organization: BC-2277 EnvSvcs-US Great Lakes West
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: Replacement
Travel: Yes
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 29/06/2026 01:06:35
Req ID: 1006439
#additional
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.

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