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Wildlands Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$60 - $90/hr

... spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific ... Experience with R, SAS, or other statistical programming software * Familiarity with hydrologic ...

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Wildlands Engineering information

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$12

$31

$57

How much do wildlands engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildlands engineering in the United States is $31.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildlands engineer?

A wildlands engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, restoring, and managing natural habitats such as wetlands, streams, and forests. They work to improve ecosystem health by planning and implementing projects that conserve water resources, prevent erosion, and enhance biodiversity. Wildlands engineers often collaborate with ecologists, biologists, and governmental agencies to ensure that projects meet environmental regulations and sustainability goals. Their work plays a vital role in balancing human development with the preservation of natural landscapes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildlands engineer?

To thrive as a Wildlands Engineer, you need expertise in environmental engineering, hydrology, ecology, and a relevant degree such as civil or environmental engineering. Proficiency with GIS software, CAD programs, and familiarity with permitting processes and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) are typically required. Strong project management, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities help you navigate complex ecological restoration projects. These skills ensure effective design, compliance, and sustainable restoration of natural habitats.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wildlands engineering, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Wildlands Engineering often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, managing multi-stakeholder projects, and adapting to unpredictable field conditions. Effective communication and collaboration with government agencies, landowners, and interdisciplinary teams are essential to overcome these hurdles. Staying current with environmental regulations and developing strong project management skills can help professionals successfully balance ecological goals with client expectations. Additionally, flexibility and creative problem-solving are key when working in diverse and changing natural environments.

What is the difference between Wildlands Engineering vs Environmental Engineering?

AspectWildlands EngineeringEnvironmental Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or related fields; often requires GIS or surveying certificationsBachelor's in Environmental Engineering or related; often requires environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural landscapes, conservation sites, and wilderness areasField and office work focused on pollution control, water treatment, and environmental impact assessments
Industry UsageUsed by conservation agencies, forestry, and land management firmsUsed by environmental consulting firms, government agencies, and industrial companies

Wildlands Engineering focuses on managing and conserving natural landscapes through fieldwork and land development projects. Environmental Engineering emphasizes solving environmental problems like pollution and water quality, often involving regulatory compliance. While both roles require similar credentials and may involve fieldwork, their primary focus and work environments differ significantly.

More about Wildlands Engineering jobs
Infographic showing various Wildlands Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Coastal Engineer

Environmental Science Associates

Boynton Beach, FL โ€ข On-site

$59K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.
ESA seeks a highly motivated Coastal Engineer to join our team of engineers and scientists in the Southeast region. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic team member with 2+ years of work experience, a passion for coastal processes and restoration, and the desire to learn and grow. This is a full-time and exempt role with office and field work expected. Strong preference given to candidates within a 1-hour commutable distance to one of these ESA Office locations: Tampa or Boynton Beach. Qualified candidates within a 1-hr commutable distance to other ESA offices including Sarasota, Orlando, & Pensacola will also be considered. This role will involve some travel and field work as needed for in-person team collaborations and site visits as-needed. This is an in-office role, with the potential for hybrid flexibility with proven performance and supervisor approval.
Who You Are
  • 2+ years of professional experience in coastal analyses with an emphasis on living shorelines, beach nourishment, dredging, inlet management, or natural systems restoration.
  • You hold a bachelor's degree or higher in coastal, environmental, civil, or ocean engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • You are enthusiastic and experienced in performing analyses to support the design or monitoring of beach, dune, shoreline, inlet, or creek enhancement and restoration projects.
  • You are familiar with steps to gather data, perform analyses, prepare reports, and communicate results, including working closely with colleagues in related fields.
  • You possess skills and experience using Microsoft tools, design, and modeling software such as AutoCAD, ArcGIS, MATLAB, or others.
  • You are an effective communicator who fosters teamwork and inclusion. You present information clearly and work in an organized manner.
  • You possess effective time management skills.
  • You accept feedback willing and are eager to learn from a variety of senior staff through project work, direct supervision and in-house mentoring programs.
  • You can work independently from our Florida offices and are able and willing to travel for and perform occasional field visits through the state of Florida, Alabama, and others as project needs arise (coastal).
  • You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 50 pounds. You are confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground and sometimes steep terrain in vegetated environments, agricultural fields, arid lands, and along stream banks. You may be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions. Some early morning, late night and/or weekend work, as well as long hours may be required.
  • Must have valid driver's license
  • Live near Tampa or Boynton Beach offices and be available for occasional travel to project sites, industry conferences and team collaboration events. Qualified candidates within a 1-hr commutable distance to other ESA offices including Sarasota, Orlando, & Pensacola will also be considered.
  • Preference given to qualified candidates with any of the following preferred skillsets:
    • Experience with performing construction observations during active coastal construction projects such as dredging, beach nourishment, coastal structures, living shorelines, wetlands creation, artificial reefs or other.
    • Experience with field data collection related to coastal projects: waves, currents, beach profiles, sediment sampling, natural resources, geophysical or geotechnical data.
    • Experience with environmental permitting (USACE, FDEP, other).
    • Scientific diving or snorkeling experience.
    • Certified/Trained Boat Operator

What You Will Do for ESA
  • You will assist with the preparation of coastal processes analyses, reports, designs, permit applications, construction drawings, technical specifications and other project documentation.
  • You will have the opportunity to participate in hydrographic, topographic, geologic, natural resource and related field data collection to support engineering analysis and design.
  • You will collaborate with engineers, scientists, hydrologists, geomorphologists, numerical modelers, landscape architects, ecologists, biologists, and other specialists in advancing coastal resilience and restoration approaches and other project solutions from concept to implementation.
  • Consistently demonstrate your solid writing skills and prepare draft documents that are clear, concise, well-written and supported.
  • You will thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment and be able to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines, while working on a team or independently.
  • Provide peer review for the work of others and take initiative to provide mentoring to more junior staff.
  • Other ad hoc tasks as needed

What's Special About Our Team
By joining our team in the Southeast Engineering & Hydrology Design (EHD) Team, you'll become part of the local region's strong culture where we value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary integration and have ample opportunities for cross-disciplinary engagement and project exposure. You'll also benefit from the expertise of our national Engineering Hydrology & Design (EH&D) group. Our EH&D team includes engineers, hydrologists, geomorphologists, scientists and water quality specialists who provide expertise for many municipalities in the Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Southern and Northern California. You will have the opportunity to be exposed to well-respected technical leaders nationwide.
Locally and nationally, ESA's work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens.
To read about some of our exciting projects check out these links: Sebastian Inlet District, Philippe Park Living Shoreline, Fowl River, Surfers Point Shoreline Management, Ocean Beach Master Plan, Lemon Bay Preserve, Balm-Boyette Stallion Creek Restoration and Florida RESTORE Act
What's Special About ESA
Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.
At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.
We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.
Who We Are
We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm who values diversity and inclusion and celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that our variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better solutions, which fosters our continued success for our employee-owners and clients.
In accordance with ESA's duty and responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards and to minimize the exposure to potential hazards, any employee who works from an ESA office or conducts any other in-person ESA work-related activity is required to submit their proof of vaccination status or have received an approved exemption and accommodation in states which this applies.
Please note: We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes from agencies
If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability-or unable to use-the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Human Resources Department via email: humanresources@esassoc.com for assistance.
Please include the following in your message so we can promptly address your request:
  • Full name
  • The best method to contact you (phone number and/or email address)
  • Title of Job Position Applied
  • Description of your accommodation request

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)