Description

In this role you will apply environmental permitting and compliance expertise to renewable energy, natural gas, and electric transmission projects, addressing requirements of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and related regulations. Responsibilities include preparing technical reports and permit applications, leading project tasks or managing projects, using topographic maps, aerial photos, and GPS for field studies, overseeing crews or working independently on wetland delineations and habitat surveys, processing and analyzing data, and ensuring team safety through safety plans and hazard anticipation.

• Conduct wetland delineations, vegetative and protected‑species surveys for renewable‑energy and utility projects.
• Prepare technical reports and permit applications in compliance with state and federal environmental laws.
• Lead project tasks or manage entire projects, supervising field crews and ensuring data quality.
• Utilize topographic maps, aerial imagery, and GPS tools for planning and executing field studies.
• Perform environmental compliance inspections and NPDES reporting for active construction sites.
• Process, review, and analyze collected data to produce actionable project deliverables.
• Develop safety plans, identify hazards, and uphold team safety standards on site.

Requirements

SWCA's growing Massachusetts team is looking for an Assistant Project Wetland Scientist (Assistant Project Environmental Scientist) to join its natural resources group. The role is full‑time, non‑exempt, and supports both field and office projects across Massachusetts and New England. Candidates must be within commuting distance of either the Southborough or Amherst offices and the position is eligible for hybrid work.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, environmental science, ecology, or a related field, and has at least three years of experience conducting environmental or natural‑resource studies. Required experience includes professional wetland delineation, environmental compliance inspections (including NPDES permit knowledge), familiarity with federal and state environmental statutes, technical writing for permits, and proficiency with GPS devices. Candidates must be able to travel, hike, and conduct long‑duration fieldwork in various weather conditions, possess a valid driver’s license, reside near the office locations, and obtain EPA‑certified SWPPP inspector status within two months.

Preferred qualifications include strong relationships with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies, experience in renewable energy, oil & gas, transportation, or public utilities projects, professional certifications such as PWS, NHCWS, CESSWI, and a record of leading field crews, assessing rare‑species habitats, representing clients in permitting processes, and developing proposal language and cost estimates.

• Hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant environmental science discipline and at least three years of field experience.
• Demonstrate professional wetland delineation expertise and strong knowledge of environmental regulations.
• Show technical writing proficiency and familiarity with GPS equipment.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and obtain EPA‑certified SWPPP inspector status within two months of hire.
• Preferred: established relationships with regulatory agencies, certifications (PWS, NHCWS, CESSWI), and experience with rare‑species habitat assessments.

Benefits

SWCA is an employee‑owned firm that values collaboration, continuous learning, and giving back. Employees benefit from a supportive, team‑oriented culture, competitive wages, and an employee stock ownership plan. The firm is recognized among the top environmental firms nationwide and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life and disability plans, as well as a 401(k) profit‑sharing plan.

Career development is a priority at SWCA, with programs such as the Career Landscape initiative, education reimbursement, conference attendance support, a Science and Leadership Program, and bonuses for qualifying publications. All regular‑status staff are eligible for these professional growth opportunities.

SWCA is committed to inclusion, diversity, salary equity, and transparency. The company provides accommodation assistance for applicants with disabilities and actively encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with diverse backgrounds. The hourly rate for this Massachusetts position ranges from $27.30 to $35.62 in Amherst and $30.71 to $40.07 in Southborough/Boston, with performance bonuses and a comprehensive total rewards package.

• Benefit from employee ownership, competitive hourly wages ($27.30–$40.07/hr), performance bonuses, and comprehensive health, dental, vision, and 401(k) profit‑sharing plans.
• Access career‑development resources, education reimbursement, conference support, and a Science & Leadership Program.
• Work in an inclusive, diverse environment with salary transparency and accommodation support for candidates with disabilities.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance