ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Nature Based Solution Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nature

Sustainable Water Project Manager

OR · On-site +1

Advance Sustainable Water programmatic efforts in Oregon, including projects related to conserving climate-resilient habitat, nature-based solutions for aquifer recharge, climate-smart water ...

GZA GeoEnvironmental

Civil Water Engineer

Glastonbury, CT · On-site

$88K - $160K/yr

Associated earth sciences related to nature-based solutions a plus. * Background or strong academic training in civil site design, surface water hydrology, open channel hydraulics, watershed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNature Based Solution Jobs

Nature Based Solution information

See salary details

$44.5K

$123.3K

$181.5K

How much do nature based solution jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for nature based solution in the United States is $123,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $140,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Nature Based Solution vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectNature Based SolutionEnvironmental Scientist
Required credentialsEnvironmental or sustainability-related degrees, certifications in conservation or ecologyDegree in environmental science, ecology, or related fields; often with research certifications
Work environmentFieldwork, project planning, collaboration with communities and policymakersLaboratory, field research, data analysis, report writing
Employer & industry usageGovernment agencies, NGOs, environmental consultancies focusing on sustainability projectsResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting firms
Search & comparison intentUnderstanding practical solutions for environmental issuesResearch, analysis, and scientific assessment of environmental problems

While both roles focus on environmental issues, Nature Based Solution professionals implement practical, community-focused projects using natural processes, whereas Environmental Scientists conduct research and analysis to understand environmental challenges. Both careers often overlap in skills and industry settings but differ in their primary focus and daily activities.

What are nature-based solutions?

Nature-based solutions are strategies that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges such as climate change, water security, and biodiversity loss. These solutions harness the power of nature to provide benefits like improved air and water quality, enhanced biodiversity, and increased resilience to climate impacts. Examples include restoring wetlands to reduce flooding, planting urban trees to cool cities, and conserving forests to capture carbon. Nature-based solutions are increasingly recognized as cost-effective, sustainable approaches that benefit both people and the planet.

What are some common challenges professionals face when implementing Nature Based Solutions in urban environments?

Professionals working on Nature Based Solutions in urban settings often encounter challenges such as securing stakeholder buy-in, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and integrating green infrastructure with existing urban systems. Collaboration with municipal authorities, community organizations, and engineers is crucial to address these issues. Additionally, balancing ecological goals with budgetary constraints and long-term maintenance planning is a frequent concern, requiring creative problem-solving and strong project management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Nature-Based Solutions Specialist role, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nature-Based Solutions Specialist, you need a solid background in environmental science, ecology, or related fields, often supported by an advanced degree and experience in project management. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, remote sensing technologies, and knowledge of sustainability frameworks is highly valuable. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills help drive collaboration and effective project outcomes. These skills are essential for designing, implementing, and managing nature-based projects that address climate challenges and deliver sustainable environmental and community benefits.
Infographic showing various Nature Based Solution job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,284 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Mid-Level Coastal / Water Resources Engineer

Mid-Level Coastal / Water Resources Engineer

Straughan Environmental Inc

Columbia, MD • Hybrid

$90K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description

Who We Are

Straughan Environmental, Inc. is a successful, rapidly growing, woman owned business that provides high quality and cost-effective consulting services to a wide variety of clients in the governmental and private sectors. Straughan is committed to advancing sustainable and resilient communities. We are experts in environmental planning, design, assessments, and policy. Our staff consists of wildlife and wetlands scientists; geomorphologists and hydrologists, civil and environmental engineers; inspectors; biologists and botanists; planners; cultural resource specialists; and GIS and CAD professionals. This combination of technical expertise and an understanding of policy make Straughan a highly competitive firm and a great place to advance your career.


Job Purpose

Straughan is seeking a highly motivated and versatile Mid-Level Coastal / Water Resources Engineer with experience in nature-based solutions (NbS) and resilience design to join our Engineering department. This individual will support the planning, design, and implementation of sustainable and resilient projects that integrate ecological processes into engineering solutions. These will include planning and design of various projects including coastal wetland restoration, living shorelines, built and natural infrastructure resilience, coastal and compound flooding solutions.


The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of coastal and watershed systems, climate resilience challenges (e.g., flooding, sea-level rise), and a passion for delivering innovative, sustainable solutions. This role includes collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to perform field assessments, modeling, design, and permitting for a variety of projects. The understanding of grant-based projects and how to pursue grants is a plus.


Straughan operates under a flexible, hybrid workplace strategy. Employees work primarily from home with schedules approved by their supervisor. While all candidates will be considered, we have a strong preference for candidates residing in one of the following areas: Coastal Delaware, Coastal Maryland, Northen Virginia (NOVA), or Coastal Virginia. Office reporting locations are our Headquarters (Maryland) and/or the Newark, DE office. Occasional travel for field work and client meetings is expected.


Straughan Benefits

One of the ways Straughan supports our staff is by providing generous benefits such as Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401k Retirement plan with an employer match, tuition assistance, PTO, 8 holidays, Parental leave, HSA, FSA, Flexible work schedule, employer paid short and Longterm disability.


Compensation Range for this position is $90,000 - $150,000. The compensation for this role is commensurate with experience. 


 Duties & Responsibilities 

  • Lead tasks or components of projects focused on nature-based and hybrid infrastructure solutions
  • Support project managers with planning, budgeting, and execution of coastal and water resources projects
  • Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling (e.g., HEC-RAS, SWMM, coastal/storm surge models)
  • Design and support development of: 
    • Living shorelines
    • Coastal and upland wetland and floodplain restoration projects
    • Green stormwater infrastructure (bioswales, buffers, BMPs)
  • Conduct alternatives analyses comparing gray and nature-based solutions
  • Integrate climate resilience considerations (sea level rise, extreme precipitation, flood risk)
  • Perform field assessments, site investigations, and data collection
  • Prepare engineering plans, specifications, reports, and visualizations
  • Coordinate with ecologists, planners, GIS specialists, and stakeholders
  • Support environmental permitting at local, state, and federal levels
  • Participate in stakeholder and client meetings, presenting technical findings
  • Mentor junior engineers and support staff development
  • Support proposal development, cost estimating, and business development efforts
  • Assist with construction phase services, including submittal review and site visits
  • Being able to communicate effectively with team

Requirements

 Qualifications 

 Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, Coastal, or Water Resources Engineering (or related field) 

Experience: 

  •  Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in water resources, coastal engineering, or resilience planning
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience with engineering design software (AutoCAD, MicroStation)
  • Proficiency with H&H and/or coastal modeling tools (HEC-RAS, SWMM, ADCIRC, Delft3D, or similar)
  • Experience conducting field work and site evaluations
  • Familiarity with nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, or ecosystem-based design approaches
  • Environmental permitting experience

Certification

  • Professional Engineer (PE) required or ability to obtain within 1 year

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with coastal processes, shoreline stabilization, or sediment transport
  • Design experience with: 
    • Living shorelines or oyster reefs
    • Floodplain reconnection or wetland restoration
    • Low impact development (LID) and environmental site design (ESD)
  • Familiarity with climate adaptation and resilience planning
  • Experience with federal or resilience-focused programs (e.g., FEMA, USACE, NOAA)
  • Hydrodynamic and coastal modeling experience (ADCIRC, Delft3D, HEC-RAS 2D)
  • GIS experience (ArcGIS Pro)
  • Experience with blue-green infrastructure and nature-based performance evaluation
  • Grant-funded project experience or resilience planning studies
  • Public outreach or stakeholder engagement experience
  • Familiarity with Mid-Atlantic region regulations and projects
  • Familiarity with Drainage, Stormwater Management, and Sediment Control Design


Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position as required by applicable law.

  • Prolonged periods standing
  • Physical ability to perform outdoor field work, on water, and in unpleasant field conditions
  • Physically able to conduct inspections and carry equipment used for inspections
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time
  • Must be able to traverse various types of terrain for extended periods of time

Straughan is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status  

Apply