Assistant Project Biologist- Wetlands

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Project Biologist – Wetlands to join our dynamic team in Austin, Texas supporting projects throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and the Gulf Coast area. Engaging in both field and office work, you'll conduct wetland delineations, vegetation surveys, and wildlife assessments. Additional activities will also include pre-development surveys, technical report writing, and assisting with permit applications and project management for a variety of clients. Your expertise will be crucial to project success.

Please note that this position involves demanding fieldwork with anticipated travel reaching at least 60% of your time, including overnight stays. While fieldwork will primarily be throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and the Gulf Coast area, occasional travel to other regions may be required.

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

• →Lead/Conduct wetland delineations, functional assessments, and related aquatic resource surveys.
• →Lead field teams during wetland delineation surveys and manage data collection.
• →Lead and/or prepare delineation reports and assist with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit applications for regulatory approvals under the Clean Water Act.
• →Lead and/or conduct habitat assessments for threatened and endangered species.
• →Lead and/or Prepare wildlife technical reports with an emphasis on Endangered Species Act compliance.
• →Utilize topographic maps, GPS devices, and other tools during fieldwork.
• →Organize and collaborate with team members in the development of project deliverables.
• →Lead or assist with preparing scopes and budgets for routine projects.
• →Ensure adherence to safety protocols and oversee their implementation in the field.
• →Lead routine projects, processes, or deliverables from start to finish, with support from project managers

Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree. Two years of relevant, progressively responsible experience. Four years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

Note: Candidates with more experience than outlined below are strongly encouraged to apply. For those with greater qualifications, high titles and salary will be strongly considered.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, closely related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience conducting wetland delineations and aquatic resource assessments in a professional setting. Candidates that are unable to demonstrate delineation experience will not be considered for this position.
• Experience leading wetland delineation field surveys and research for desktop wetland evaluations and compiling field data into aquatic resource delineation reports.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
• Familiarity with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permits and experience preparing pre-construction notifications.
• Available for frequent travel, with field work sometimes reaching 60% of your time.
• 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 terrain and lift up to 40 pounds of equipment.
• Strong client service orientation and exceptional communication skills.

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.  

Takes responsibility for team safety, developing safety plans (when applicable), and anticipating potential safety hazards.  

Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures. 

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Austin based position is $28.67 to $37.40 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance based bonuses. 

As a 100% employee owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities. 

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact accommodations@swca.com or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

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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