Wetland Scientist

Conduct wetland delineations, functional assessments, and mitigation banking analyses to support permitting for infrastructure, energy, and development projects under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Design wetland mitigation and restoration projects, prepare jurisdictional determination reports, and coordinate with Army Corps of Engineers and EPA on permit applications. Monitor wetland restoration success and manage adaptive management programs.

Median salary: $82,000. Projected growth to 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by infrastructure permitting and mitigation banking. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $82,000
Entry-level: $50,000 - $65,000
Senior: $120,000+
Growth by 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by infrastructure permitting and mitigation banking
Demand: Growing
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Low

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 50% Team / 50% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 3-5 years
Years to senior: 7-10 years
Career switching: Moderate
Typical student debt: $25,000 - $50,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Wetland Delineation (Army Corps 1987 Manual & Regional Supplements)
Wetland Functional Assessment (HGM / WET)
Section 404 & 401 Permit Application Preparation
Mitigation Banking & In-Lieu Fee Program Management
Wetland Restoration Design
Hydric Soil & Hydrophytic Vegetation Identification

Soft skills

Scientific Rigor
Field Investigation
Written Communication
Regulatory Knowledge
Attention to Detail

Technical complexity: Moderate

Typical career path

Wetland Technician
Wetland Scientist
Senior Wetland Scientist
Project Manager
Principal Wetland Scientist