Scientist V- Water Quality

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.

RES is hiring a Scientist V to bring expert-level knowledge and leadership to our growing team of environmental professionals. You’ll serve as a senior technical authority in areas such as wetlands, stream morphology, soils, water quality, and more—guiding internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies with deep scientific insight. If you are passionate about advancing ecological science, mentoring others, and influencing how restoration gets done, this role is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Job

At RES, you’ll work at the intersection of science, policy, and impact. As a Scientist V, you won’t just lead studies—you’ll help shape how the entire company collects, interprets, and applies data across diverse ecosystems and projects. You’ll be looked to as a trusted expert, not just internally, but by clients and regulators alike. Whether it’s presenting to an agency, designing a data collection protocol, or guiding junior scientists, you’ll be doing meaningful work that drives real environmental outcomes.

At RES, we don’t just manage projects—we transform landscapes, protect ecosystems, and solve regulatory puzzles. As a PM IV, you’ll have the autonomy to lead high-impact initiatives while working with some of the most skilled scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the industry. You’ll also be helping RES expand into new markets, drive innovation, and elevate industry standards.

Here, you’ll be empowered to lead with integrity, influence policy, and deliver measurable environmental and financial results—on your terms, with the support of a strong, multidisciplinary team.

A Day in the Life

Picture this: You start your day preparing for a field visit with a client and agency team, where you’ll lead discussions on data collection goals and review field methodologies. Back at your desk, you review a junior scientist’s functional assessment report, offering coaching on both technical content and storytelling. After lunch, you check in with project managers on staffing needs for a multi-state project, then hop on a call with other regional experts to review new SOP recommendations. You end your day drafting talking points for an upcoming conference panel, where you'll represent RES as a thought leader in your field.

We would love to talk to you if you have many of the following:

• 12+ years of experience in environmental science, or 10+ with an advanced degree

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences (required)

• Expertise in one or more disciplines such as wetlands, soils, water quality, stream morphology, ecology, biology, or geology

• Advanced knowledge of water quality monitoring, hydrological monitoring, wetland delineations and assessments, and/or soils/sediments sampling and monitoring

• Deep understanding of regional regulatory requirements and permitting processes

• Knowledge of water quality issues (TMDLs, state-specific criteria, alternative restoration plans), regulations, including CWA section 401 and The Clean Waterways Act, ecological restoration practices that target waterbody and watershed restoration

• Strong experience in functional assessments, field/lab data analysis, preparing field data collection methods, providing technical support and task management , assisting with pollutant load calculations, assist with development of project scopes and budgets, creating presentations and preparing reports

• Advanced knowledge of GIS and environmental mapping

• Proficient in scientific software and field equipment (YSI meters, GPS, turbidimeters, Secchi disc, ponar, discrete sample collection, flow velocity measurements, autosamplers, pressure transducers, etc.)

• Knowledge of data analysis, statistical analysis, data comparison,

• Skilled in project planning, budgeting, staffing, and reporting

• Ability to lead large multi-disciplinary teams including training junior staff and coordinating with both the client and with internal RES team members

• FDEP SOPs for Water and Groundwater Sampling & Meter Testing

What Will Make You Stand Out

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline

• Professional certifications (e.g., PWS, CWB, PG, CERP)

• Regional or species-specific licenses (e.g., RTE survey permits)

• A track record of publishing scientific work or presenting at conferences

• Recognized leader in a technical association or scientific network

• Advanced knowledge of stream monitoring, habitat assessment, periphyton surveys, linear vegetation surveys, lake vegetation index, bank erosion hazard index, ichthyology, and/or electrofishing

• Capabilities in analyzing site conditions for potential projects and completing risk analysis independently

• Advanced understanding of water quality issues such as TMDLs, alternative restoration plans, water quality criteria, pollutant source tracking, watershed management planning

• Enjoy mentoring others and sharing your expertise

• Are proactive in collaborating across teams, departments, and geographies

• Stay current with scientific literature, policy changes, and best practices

• Are energized by building relationships with clients, agencies, and peers

• Lead with integrity and a deep commitment to environmental outcome

Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.