Lead Wetland Scientist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an employee-owned company of environmental professionals who specialize in natural and cultural resource management, environmental planning, and regulatory compliance. We are expanding our aquatic resources team in Southern California, and we are looking for an experienced natural resources delineation specialist who is enthusiastic, independent, and motivated.

We are seeking a Lead Wetland Scientist to lead aquatic resources delineations and prepare technical reports and permit applications in Southern California. This position involves preparing a variety of natural resource studies, primarily aquatic resources delineations. The Lead Wetland Scientist will be responsible for leading field surveys, assessing site conditions, collecting data, mapping resources, drafting data results, discussing preliminary results with subject matter experts, assessing the jurisdictional status of observed resources, and communicating findings in an aquatic resource delineation reports that comply with multiple resource agencies standards.

The applicant should be able to work independently for 40 or more hours per week, on a sometimes fluid schedule when project timelines dictate. The successful candidate will have a working knowledge of jurisdictional delineation regulations, policies, procedures, and guidance for surface water resources regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The applicant must be experienced in evaluating hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrologic indicators, ordinary high water mark indicators in the Arid West, and problematic wetland situations to a high technical standard. The applicant should have demonstrated experience preparing 401, 404, and 1600 permit applications, submitting applications, and coordinating project information requests with agencies. This is a regular, full-time position, and the applicant should be located in, or be willing to relocate to, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, or Riverside County, in Southern California.

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.

• Lead aquatic resources delineations, natural resources surveys, ,botanical surveys, and habitat assessments in accordance with appropriate regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare aquatic resources reports and prepare environmental permit applications, such as pre-construction notifications and individual permit applications to agency standards.
• Maintain up-to date knowledge of aquatic resource regulations.
• Use desktop resources to preliminarily assess aquatic resources in a project area.
• Prepare field equipment, plan field logistics, and provide oversight of survey implementation and data management.
• Operate SWCA vehicles safely (ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads) and follow all required safety protocols.
• Work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Take initiative, resolve problems, and communicate with team members and clients to ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• Experience conducting other types of biological surveys and reports.

• B.S. in biology, ecology, environmental science, environmental management, or a closely related scientific field.
• Knowledge of the fauna and flora of the Arid West and California.
• A minimum experience of 6 years conducting aquatic resources delineations using U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manuals.
• A minimum of 2 years experience leading aquatic resources delineations in the Arid West.
• A minimum of 2 year preparing aquatic resources reports/permits associated with Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code.
• Completed the Society of Wetland Scientists approved 40-hour wetland delineation course or comparable course.

Preferred Qualification:

• Lead authorship of aquatic resources delineation reports.
• Professional Wetland Scientist certification.
• Project management experience.
• Proficiency in plant identification.

Additional Information:

• Must be able to use GPS units and computer software with minimal assistance or training.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability and willingness to travel (i.e., must be able to travel, sometimes upon short notice, and for extended periods) and work in varying weather conditions.

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 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

Employees in this position are eligible for consideration for SWCA's annual bonus program, which provides awards based on individual and organizational performance. To review additional benefits associated with this position, click here: https://www.swca.com/careers/totalrewards/benefits

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Pasadena, CA-based position can expect a salary of $91,260 - $119,246.40/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.

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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