Project Wetland Scientist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Wetland Scientist to join our dynamic team in Portland, OR or Whitefish, MT. In this pivotal role, you'll provide invaluable support to projects potentially across the Pacific Northwest. Engaging in a mix of field and office work, you'll conduct a variety of natural resource field studies, from wetland delineations to vegetation surveys and wildlife assessments. You will play a crucial role in project success, contributing your expertise to environmental conservation efforts. If you thrive in dynamic environments and are passionate about making a positive impact, we invite you to apply and become a part of our dedicated team. Please note that this position involves demanding fieldwork, with anticipated moderate travel, including overnight stays. While fieldwork will primarily be in the Pacific Northwest, occasional travel to other ecoregions may be required.

We will consider both Associate Project and Project-level candidates for this role. That includes:

• Associate Project Wetland Scientist; typically, with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience and expertise.
• Project Wetland Scientist; typically, with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience and expertise.

This is a permanent, full-time (with benefits) position offering the flexibility of hybrid work, combining field, in-office, and remote work arrangements.

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.

Note that more senior wetlands scientist positions will work more independently, and have more complicated and larger tasks and responsibilities.

• Lead or help conduct various natural resource field studies, such as wetland delineations, threatened/endangered species assessments, and vegetation surveys.
• Organize and manage field data in digital formats.
• Prepare technical reports and permit applications for regulatory approvals under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other resource planning/permitting, and/or natural resource disciplines.
• Collaborate with team members in the development of project deliverables.
• Utilize topographic maps, GPS devices, and other tools during fieldwork activities.
• Safely operate vehicles, including 4-wheel drive vehicles, for fieldwork and site visits.
• Coordinate field crew activities, including mobilization and data collection efforts.
• Conduct research, data synthesis, and basic analysis to support project objectives.
• Communicate effectively with clients and agency representatives throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and oversee their implementation in the field.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Water Resources, Botany, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Science, Natural Resource Management, related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in natural resources management, including wetland delineations and aquatic assessments.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience conducting wetland delineations and aquatic resources assessments. Candidates that are unable to demonstrate delineation experience will not be considered for this position.
• Familiarity with Clean Water Act regulations and the Nationwide Permitting system.
• Experience conducting desktop research for preliminary wetlands evaluations and compiling field data into aquatic resource inventory reports.
• Proficiency in GPS devices, digital data collection, and mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate 4WD vehicles.
• Capability to conduct fieldwork in various conditions and terrains, and lift 25-50 pounds of equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a 38-hour wetland delineation training course
• Certification from the Society of Wetland Scientists as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT).
• Experience mentoring survey teams in the Pacific NW, and leading site visits with agency personnel.
• Extensive knowledge of botanical species taxonomy and field identification skills.
• Strong client service orientation and exceptional communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new survey techniques and protocols.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency. An employee in this position can expect the following pay ranges:

Portland, OR based:

Associate Project Wetland Scientist | $68,141 - $87,447/year

Project Wetland Scientist | $74,955/year - $96,533/year

Whitefish, MT based:

Associate Project Wetland Scientist | $64,896 - $83,283/year

Project Wetland Scientist | $71,385/year - $91,936/year.

Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

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.

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