Staff Restoration Engineer

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-level Restoration Engineer with a passion for ecosystem restoration and water resource engineering We are looking for an Engineer who can contribute to the growth of our ecological restoration practices throughout the Great Lakes as well as support SWCA’s ecological restoration projects throughout the U.S. The ideal candidate will have experience/background in stream, wetland, and coastal/living shoreline design projects, and should have a solid understanding of applied hydraulics, hydrology, and geomorphology. Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D and hydrology/hydraulic modeling is a plus.

The position will entail travel on occasion to assess project sites, collect field data, and meet with clients. Travel will be about 20% of the time with much of the travel being local/regional. This is a full-time, permanent, hourly, benefits eligible position. This is a full-time, regular (benefits-eligible), hourly non-exempt position reporting to our Lombard, Illinois office. The role is eligible for either a hybrid or distributed (=remote) work arrangement. While candidates located near our Chicago or Michigan offices are preferred, highly qualified applicants from other locations will also be considered.

This position can be hired at the following levels:

• Assistant Staff Restoration Engineer: One (1) year of relevant experience and expertise; two (2) years preferred;
• Staff Restoration Engineer: Two (2) years of relevant experience and expertise; three (3) years preferred

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

About SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish

• Supports the development of engineering designs for assigned restoration projects, including stream and wetland design, living shorelines, and nature-based infrastructure. Collaborates with senior engineers to refine concepts and ensure feasibility. Responsible for discrete tasks or small components of restoration projects, making decisions on limited technical matters within defined procedures.
• Performs field investigations to support assigned restoration projects. Collects data and verifies compliance with design plans and regulatory requirements.
• Supports preparation of technical reports summarizing findings from inspections, analyses, and fieldwork. Ensures documentation supports project goals and aligns with industry and regulatory standards.
• Assists in permitting and other regulatory approvals by preparing required documentation and collaborating with project teams. Ensures plans comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Performs construction oversight activities to monitor the performance of contractors and ensure adherence to project specifications. Identifies issues and recommends corrective actions under supervision.
• Assists in evaluating potential project sites and restoration approaches to determine technical and financial viability. Provides input to plans and methods.
• Assists in the preparation of construction drawings and specifications for assigned projects. Ensures documentation accurately reflects project designs and complies with regulatory standards.
• Supports modeling and calculations to inform designs and evaluate scenarios. Uses modeling software to optimize solutions and ensure accuracy.
• Assists with multidisciplinary teams to integrate environmental science and engineering principles into project designs. Contributes to team discussions and supports project planning activities.
• Engages in professional development activities to build expertise in restoration engineering principles and tools. Stays informed about industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to assigned projects.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Conduct geomorphic surveys and assess reference reach sites to support restoration planning and design.
• Participate in the restoration design and construction plan development for streams, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands.
• Write clear and concise technical documentation summarizing engineering analyses and design recommendations.
• Adhere to project safety requirements by identifying, communicating, and helping mitigate safety hazards.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences and professional events to support ongoing professional development.
• Develop project management skills through participation in project coordination and delivery activities.

Minimum Qualifications

One year of relevant, progressively responsible experience. Three years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education. Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree; Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation preferred.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Agricultural, Biological, Civil, Environmental, or Coastal Engineering)
• One (1) year of ecosystem restoration design experience.
• Knowledge of erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and civil site design principles.
• Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling and analysis software.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of ecosystem restoration design experience.
• Engineer-in-Training certification
• Experience developing ecological restoration design construction plans in AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Experience with survey equipment and techniques.
• Familiarity with engineering software such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D

Other Job Conditions

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Chicago, IL based position is:

• Assistant Staff Restoration Engineer: $28.09 to $36.51 per hour
• Staff Restoration Engineer: $32.02 to $41.57 per hour

Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.

As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact [email protected] or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact [email protected].

Use of Technology in Hiring

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience.

Candidate Use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.