WETLAND ECOLOGIST

About the job
JOIN OUR TEAM! SEEKING WETLAND ECOLOGIST, SEASONAL

About Us
CK Wetland Services, Inc. is an ecological consulting firm specializing in wetland projects across Minnesota, with our office located in downtown Chisholm, Minnesota. We are the leading wetland consulting firm in northern Minnesota, committed to high-quality business practices and adherence to our code of ethics to uphold professional skill, practice, and integrity for our clients and wetlands.

As a Wetland Ecologist, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including wetland delineation, wetland assessments, construction site inspections, mitigation monitoring & plans, project reporting, and permitting assistance.
When you join our team, you’ll get the opportunity to be trained by and learn from an experienced Professional Wetland Scientist. We are a small company that takes ownership of our work, thinks critically, communicates openly, and brings our best selves to work each day.

The Opportunity
We’re looking for an entry to experienced Wetland Ecologist to join us for upcoming projects throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. This role involves both office-based work & field work, for projects across Minnesota with possibility to travel to other areas of the state or county. This position is fast-paced, and highly rewarding - perfect for those who thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy traveling, and want to grow their technical field skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland and watercourse delineations following the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and applicable regional supplements. Our work primarily utilizes the Northcentral and Northeast, and Great Plains regional supplements.
• Perform wetland functional assessments to evaluate ecological conditions and hydrological functions.
• Conduct threatened and endangered (T&E) species habitat assessments.
• Identify and map noxious/invasive weeds and vegetation communities’ ecological surveys.
• Conduct hydrological monitoring and analyzing hydrographs
• Completes environmental permit applications, reports and associated documentation
• Performs the analysis of collected data and preparation of environmental reports
• Collect and review geospatial data using submeter GPS/GNSS units (Trimble & EOS Arrow) and ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps, ensuring high-quality data methodologies.
• Manages office equipment/supplies, such as vehicle maintenance/scheduling; organizes and orders supplies, other general office duties at directed.

If you love a mixture of office and fieldwork, sharing your knowledge, leading teams, and applying critical thinking to environmental challenges, you’ll flourish here. We’re looking for someone who can deliver the work with little supervision, can pay attention to the details, and has a passion for wetlands.

What We Offer
• Competitive Pay: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Travel Support: Daily food per diem; reimbursement for lodging, airfare, and mileage for personal vehicle use.
• Work Duration: Work on projects is expected to start in March/April and run through the end of 2026.
• Professional Growth: We offer mentorship, training, and room for professional growth.
• Office: This position is based in our Chisholm, Minnesota office. The candidate is expected to work on-site when not performing field work. Standard office equipment will be provided to work in the office. Office space will be provided in the company’s office.
• Position: The length of employment depends on the project workload, and no guarantees are offered regarding employment term. This position may lead to permanent, full-time, with benefits employment.

Requirements/Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience conducting wetland delineation surveys and relatable field work.
• Degree in Biology, Ecology, Soil Science, Hydrology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Must have a strong passion for wetlands, plants, soils, and spending time working outdoors is essential.
• Have excellent problem-solving skills.
• Be highly organized with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Communicate with contractors and other professionals in a professional manner.
• Complete tasks with minimal supervision and direction.
• Must be self-motivated & be able to work independent with minimal supervision at times.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude during year-round field work
• Exercise professional judgment with strong attention to detail.
• Prepare written reports using technical writing
• Willingness for occasional overnight travel and remain on-site throughout project completion.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project teams and company logistics.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle.

Physical Requirements
• Comfortable working 10-12+ hours per day in rugged terrain, inclement weather, and remote locations.
• Physically capable of hiking off-trail, up to 10 miles/day.
• Navigating difficult terrain for extended periods of time performing field surveys.
• Standing, crouching, and sitting to facilitate collecting site information.
• Lifting and/or carrying field equipment and other items weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Potential exposure to natural hazards (e.g., poison ivy, wet terrain, heat).

Preferred Qualifications
• PWS or MWPCP Certification or ability to obtain.
• Strong technical skills utilizing digital data collection tools, software, and apps such as GPS/GNSS units, ArcGIS Field Maps, BioApp, Google Earth, OneDrive, and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply environmental compliance/permitting regulations, including the MN WCA, BWSR, USACE, EPA, DNR, and state and local regulations
• Experience and knowledge of state and local wetland regulations.
• Experience with soils and plants of northern Minnesota.
• Experience with soil classification & hydric soil determinations.
• Ability to read and interpret maps & site plans.
• Proficiency with ESRI ArcPro and AGOL.
• Ability to analyze hydrographs, & vegetation statistical analysis for annual reports.
• Strong technical writing skills in the consulting field a plus

Why CK Wetlands?
We’re not your typical environmental consulting firm. We’re scientists who believe in building something better - a company where people are invested in their work, their team, and their own professional growth. We take pride in the details and work together to make a real impact. We’re a small, close-knit, and specialized consulting firm serving multiple client and project types in Minnesota. Our clients range from small single-family homeowners to engineering firms, large scale developers, renewable
energy, and government clients. We believe that we need to support our team with professional development and enrichment while creating a dynamic and exciting work environment. We specialize in wetland assessment, delineation, permitting, mitigation, monitoring, and GIS.

For more information about CK Wetland Services, Inc., check us out online at:
www.CKWetlands.com 
www.linkedin.com/company/ck-wetland-services/ 
www.facebook.com/ckwetlandservices/ 
Are you ready to join northern Minnesota’s leader in wetland consulting?!

How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to:
Curt Kleist at ckwetlandservices@gmail.com 
Additionally, please complete the form below.
https://forms.gle/JmiD9SfDAMFZFWzq7

Deadline: Open until filled; however, interviews will begin immediately for qualified candidates. If this sounds like the right fit for you, let’s talk. We’re excited to build something great—together.

EEO STATEMENT
CK WETLAND SERVICES, INC. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, disability, military status, or other legally protected characteristics protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We value diversity and the skills, knowledge, and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions.