Permitting Specialist​/Wetland Scientist

Overview

Weston & Sampson is seeking a full-time Permitting Specialist / Wetland Scientist to join our Charleston, SC office. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong interest in wetlands, permitting, and natural resources to contribute to meaningful projects across South Carolina while working side by side with a team of passionate environmental professionals. You will assist with multiple projects simultaneously, building experience in permitting, natural resource evaluations, and GIS analysis while developing your skills in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

You will be part of projects that make a real difference, from restoring coastal marshes to improving local infrastructure, while learning the permitting and natural resource review process from the ground up.

• Join senior staff in the field for wetland delineations, monitoring, and compliance inspections
• Assist with preparation of environmental permit applications and supporting documentation, including:
  • Federal permits
    : U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Clean Water Act Section 404/10) and federal Water Quality and Coastal Zone Certifications
  • State permits
    :
    South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) approvals such as land disturbance, water quality, transportation, and coastal zone reviews
  • Coastal permits
    : SCDES Bureau of Coastal Management (BCM) Critical Area permits
  • Local permits
    : MS4 stormwater, land disturbance, and planning and zoning approvals
• Develop desktop studies using aerial imagery, topographic data, LiDAR, and GIS to help evaluate project sites
• Create and maintain GIS maps and analyses of wetlands, rivers/streams, habitats, and project resource areas
• Assist with reviews of historic and cultural resources and federal and state threatened and endangered species as part of environmental analyses
• Help organize project databases, spreadsheets, and records to keep projects on track
• Prepare well-structured figures, tables, and summaries that clearly present technical information to clients and regulators
• Collaborate in a team environment where your contributions directly support project success

• A passion for protecting wetlands and natural resources, with curiosity for learning permitting and the positive attitude of a dependable, self-starting team player
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, geology, planning, geography, or related field;
  Master’s degree preferred
• 1 to 5 years of professional or internship experience in environmental permitting, wetlands, or natural resources (entry-level candidates with strong skills encouraged to apply)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with comfort using databases and spreadsheets
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with ArcGIS strongly preferred
• Familiarity with LiDAR, topographic data, and geospatial tools a plus
• Experience using GPS equipment for field data collection a plus
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical reports
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced consulting environment while balancing multiple priorities
• Willingness to travel for field assignments

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and embrace diversity in all forms. Weston & Sampson is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) and fostering a sense of belonging within our organization and communities.

Join us:

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters:
Weston & Sampson coordinates all recruiting and hiring. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. Resumes are only accepted if a signed agreement is in place. Unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Weston & Sampson. Weston & Sampson is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.