Wetland Restoration
Recovery
Repairs damaged wetlands by replanting native species, redirecting water, and stabilizing soft, waterlogged terrain. Work is muddy, hands-on, and helps bring biodiversity back to flood-prone areas.
Entry-level
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
SEASONALITY
High
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
People drawn to this role like fieldwork with a clear ecological payoff. You’re helping bring a vital ecosystem back to life—and you can see the difference within weeks or months. The role is ideal for those who want to combine planting, water management, and real-time environmental problem-solving. Skills in hydrology, soil structure, species ID, and habitat restoration translate directly into environmental consulting, project coordination, and long-term restoration leadership. It’s gritty, grounded work that often builds the most well-rounded field technicians in the sector.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
You’ll start the day hauling gear—stakes, shovels, buckets, live plants, erosion blankets—into a soggy patch of land where a wetland used to function but now floods, dries out, or sits degraded. The crew might dig shallow basins, build berms, install willow stakes, replant sedges or rushes, or pull invasive plants choking water flow.
Tasks vary by site. Some days you’re trenching for water redirection, others you're carefully planting native wetland species to stabilize a bank or build up spongey, absorptive ground cover. You may also be placing logs, brush, or other natural material to support habitat or manage micro-topography. It’s wet, repetitive, and rooted in bringing a space back to life.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is some of the muddiest work in silviculture. You’ll be on uneven, waterlogged terrain—ankle-deep or deeper in muck, sometimes with standing water. Mosquitoes, weather swings, and soaked boots are the norm. PPE includes rubber boots, gloves, and gear for unpredictable conditions. Tools include shovels, planting bars, buckets, flagging, and hand tools. The work is tough, but deeply rewarding, especially when you revisit a site and see dragonflies, cattails, and bird calls where there was once just bare ground.
CYCLICAL NATURE OF ROLE
Work is seasonal—typically spring and fall when moisture supports planting and construction. Some projects run through summer for maintenance or follow-up. Wetland projects often align with offsets, habitat recovery mandates, or post-disturbance restoration programs.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & TRAINING
On-the-job training is common, but helpful background includes:
WHMIS / First Aid – Level 1
Wetland plant ID / Hydrology basics
Erosion control / soil stabilization
Chainsaw or brush saw skills may be helpful for prep work
REQUIRED SOFT SKILLS
Patience, teamwork, and adaptability are key. You’ll need to stay calm in physically challenging conditions, follow planting specs closely, and coordinate well with others to execute site plans.
REQUIRED HARD SKILLS
Planting and digging skills are essential. Knowledge of wetland species, hydrological basics, and erosion control methods are strong assets. Familiarity with GPS, layout tools, and water management techniques may also be required.
ON THE JOB LEARNING
Wetland species ID and planting
Microtopography shaping and water control
Soil and hydrology awareness
Field-based restoration logistics
Erosion control and habitat structuring
Teamwork and endurance in physically demanding terrain
FUTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
This role opens doors to ecological restoration leadership, conservation NGOs, habitat consulting, water resource management, and environmental impact assessment. It's a strong niche within the broader silviculture and land management sectors.