Senior Scientist, Environmental / Wetland

TKDA • Duluth, MN

1d • $82,750 - $118,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

TKDA’s Water Resources team develops and implements practical, cost-effective, and maintenance-friendly stormwater control measures that balance cost with flood control, water quality, and protection of wetlands, lakes, and rivers. The employee-owned, multidisciplinary team is seeking a Wetland Scientist to work collaboratively with engineers, designers, planners, scientists, and technicians.

The position performs wetland delineations across the upper Midwest for railroad structures, railroad capacity expansions—including facilities, track, and yards—and Department of Transportation projects. The role includes fieldwork, permit preparation and coordination, reporting, communication with clients and public entities, project-status updates, and support for project management and compliance.

The position has a hybrid schedule: in-office Tuesday through Thursday and work from home Monday and Friday. Remote candidates may also be considered if they meet the required experience and qualifications. Local and overnight travel is required during the growing season, up to approximately 25%, and short-notice travel may be required for emergency projects. Candidates must be able to travel frequently throughout the country for project assignments.

The listed base salary range is $82,750–$118,500 for candidates with 10–20 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. The role requires U.S. work authorization without current or future visa sponsorship, a valid driver’s license with a qualifying driving record, and successful completion of required pre-employment screening and any required drug testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Biology, Botany, Ecology, Hydrology, or a similar discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience performing field wetland delineations and preparing wetland delineation reports; Department of Transportation project experience is preferred.
• Overall knowledge of the permitting process and prior experience preparing and coordinating permit applications for aquatic resource impacts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, federal and state agencies, and local agencies.
• Working knowledge of collecting, organizing, and submitting field data using data-collection resources such as tablets and GPS devices.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write descriptive, technically accurate reports.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets company requirements.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.
• Ability to travel frequently throughout the country for project assignments, including local and overnight travel during the growing season and possible short-notice emergency travel.
• Ability to complete required pre-employment background screening and any drug testing required by TKDA, clients, or applicable agencies.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with ArcMap and CAD platforms.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Drone Operator License.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Professional Soil Scientist (PSS), Minnesota Certified Wetland Delineator (CWD), or Wisconsin Assured Wetland Delineation Professional certification.
• Experience preparing permit applications for aquatic resource impacts and obtaining final approval, preferably in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.
• Experience identifying, tracking, and securing project opportunities or developing relationships with existing and new clients.
• Department of Transportation project experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform fieldwork activities, including data collection and site inspections.
• Prepare and submit permit applications in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinate permitting activities and maintain communication with regulatory agencies.
• Accurately and thoroughly document field observations and site conditions.
• Prepare detailed project reports that meet company, client, and agency standards.
• Communicate with public entities and client representatives about project progress.
• Provide regular project-status updates, including milestones and deliverables.
• Support project management tasks, including tracking budgets, expenditures, and timelines.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety protocols throughout all project phases.
• Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to contribute to project success.
• Perform wetland delineations for railroad and Department of Transportation projects across the upper Midwest.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one.
• Eligibility for discretionary annual incentive bonuses.
• Monthly employer HSA contributions for employees who choose an HSA-eligible plan.
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), funded entirely by company profits.
• Paid time off accrued based on professional experience.
• Eight paid holidays per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior