Environmental Scientist (mid-level) en Ayres Associates

Ayres’ Water Resources group is seeking a wetland delineation and environmental study expert with a proven track record of successfully executing field studies and state/federal permit applications. This position requires an entrepreneurial mindset to support our growing midwestern market for supporting wetland and natural resources permits related to transportation, building, and water infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise in completing wetland delineations, wetland mitigation, permit applications related to site development, and other natural resources studies that support industrial operating permits. Candidate will begin employment at Ayres on or before June 1, 2026.

Become a part of a nationally recognized USA Today Top Workplace! Our commitment to working together and improving our lives rings true, and we are proud to grow our team with driven and valued individuals. Join us today and contribute to a culture of excellence and innovation.

On any given day, you’ll:

• Work with a team of engineering professionals to help clients innovatively address permitting challenges associated with planned developments near wetlands, waterways, and other sensitive environmental areas.
• Conduct field operations, document findings, and submit environmental study reports and permits in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Manage workload to ensure that the work is produced on schedule, profitably, and in conformance with the quality standards of Ayres.
• Coordinate with other Ayres’ workgroups to anticipate what permits may be required and ways those project leaders can innovatively address state and federal conditions attached to permits.
• Build and maintain respectful working relationships with Project Managers and Ayres leadership.
• Support and participate in the development and mentorship of staff.
• Assist in preparation of reports, proposals, and other written and verbal communications.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, or similar field from an accredited university is the minimum requirement. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Training record that demonstrates mastery in plant identification, soil identification, watershed and groundwater hydrology, planning of environmental studies, and state/federal permit applications.
• Experience developing wetland mitigation plans and performing wetland delineations plus at least one other type of natural resources (air, water, groundwater, rare species) fieldwork related to permits and environmental studies.
• Record of successful permit applications for development within sensitive environmental areas.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience doing fieldwork. 5 years is preferred.
• Ability to independently manage projects with budgets of 24 to 240 hours of labor.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and GIS.
• Proven communication skills including great client relationships and a willingness to market services to internal and external clients.
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Desired Skills and Experiences:

• Innovative ideas to maintain profitability all year and efficiency during the field season.
• Establishment of mutually respectful and collaborative relationships with clients and agencies.
• Great communication skills and team interaction skills are desired, especially for projects that face significant regulatory scrutiny.
• Willingness to be located within commuting distance of Ayres’ Eau Claire WI office. Note that Ayres allows flexible time, hybrid location options but places high value on in-person mentorship and networking opportunities.

Benefits of being part of the Ayres team: 

• Health, dental, and vision Insurance.
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
• PTO upon hire, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.

Please note, benefits vary depending on job status. To learn more about our great benefits, visit our website at https://www.ayresassociates.com/careers/the-ayres-advantage/