Senior Scientist, Environmental / Wetland

TKDA • Duluth, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

TKDA’s Water Resources team develops and implements practical, cost-effective, maintenance-friendly stormwater control measures that provide flood control, enhance water quality, and protect wetlands, lakes, and rivers. The Senior Scientist will join a collaborative, employee-owned, multidisciplinary team and perform wetland delineations across the upper Midwest for railroad structures and capacity expansions, as well as Department of Transportation projects.

The role has a hybrid schedule of Tuesday through Thursday in the office and Monday and Friday working from home. Remote candidates may also be considered if they have 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 needed for emergency projects. Candidates must be able to travel frequently throughout the country for project assignments.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States, have a valid driver’s license and a driving record meeting company requirements, and complete the required pre-employment screening. Candidates may also be required to pass drug testing requested by TKDA, clients, or applicable agencies. TKDA does not sponsor employment visas.

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. TKDA is 100% employee-owned and has 450 professionals.

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 permitting processes 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/or GPS devices.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently.
• 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.
• Ability to complete the required pre-employment background screening and any drug testing requested 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 and obtaining final approval on aquatic resource impact permit applications, preferably in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and/or Wyoming.
• Experience identifying, tracking, and securing project opportunities or cultivating relationships with existing and new clients.
• Department of Transportation project experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform fieldwork, including data collection and site inspections.
• Prepare and submit permit applications in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinate permitting activities and communicate 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 regarding project progress.
• Provide regular project-status updates, including milestones and deliverables.
• Support project management by tracking budgets, expenditures, and timelines.
• Ensure environmental and safety protocol compliance throughout 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 bonuses through an annual incentive plan.
• Monthly employer contributions if enrolled in an HSA-eligible plan.
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan 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