Wetland Ecologist - Wetland Environmental Scientist

About Marathon

Marathon Engineering & Surveying is a civil engineering and land surveying firm founded in 2008, with offices in Rochester and Ithaca and roughly 25 employees. We are intentionally small. Three partners lead the firm, and there is no layer of management between our staff, our clients, and the people making decisions.

About the Role

Marathon is establishing an in-house environmental services practice, and we are looking for the senior wetland specialist who will build it. This is a new position within the firm. For years we have subcontracted wetland delineations, permitting, and environmental review work to outside specialists. We have reached the point where bringing this capability in-house is the right move for our clients and our growth. The person we hire will lead that effort.

This is a hands-on role for a scientist who wants to be in the field, not running a team from a desk. You will conduct delineations and assessments yourself, prepare and submit permit documents, and have meaningful input into how the practice is built and what it eventually offers. The right candidate will help shape the role itself based on their strengths and experience.

The work

This role would support an existing, varied client base across private development, commercial, and energy sectors; work that would shift in-house as the practice ramps up. The mix today is approximately 75 to 90 percent existing client support. Primary focus is wetland delineations and related permitting. Threatened and endangered species surveys are a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineations and jurisdictional determinations in accordance with USACE and NYSDEC methodology
• Prepare and submit permit applications under Clean Water Act Section 404/401, NYSDEC Article 24, and related federal, state, and local regulations
• Coordinate directly with NYSDEC, USACE, USFWS, NYNHP, and municipal agencies throughout the permitting process
• Prepare environmental reports, technical memoranda, and supporting documentation for project teams and clients
• Conduct field investigations including habitat assessments and threatened and endangered species surveys
• Work alongside Marathon's civil engineering and survey teams to integrate environmental services into broader project workflows
• Help shape the direction of Marathon's environmental services practice

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of professional experience in wetland science, environmental consulting, or a closely related field
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, botany, or a related discipline (Master's a plus)
• Strong working knowledge of NYSDEC, USACE, USFWS, and NYNHP permitting and environmental review processes
• Demonstrated ability to conduct wetland delineations independently and to lead permitting efforts from start to finish
• Comfortable spending significant time in the field, in varied weather and terrain conditions
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification preferred but not required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Pay range and compensation package

Anticipated annual earnings for this role: $85,000–$125,000, depending on experience, with the potential to exceed that range during periods of high workload. Performance bonus, SIMPLE IRA with employer match, health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.

Location

This role can be based out of either our Rochester, NY or Ithaca, NY office, depending on candidate preference. Both offices serve clients across the region, and the work itself includes regular field travel to project sites throughout the Finger Lakes & Western New York region.

To apply

Submit through LinkedIn.