Assistant Project Biologist- Wetlands

SWCA, Incorporated; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants in Austin, TX seeks an Assistant Project Biologist – Wetlands. The role combines field and office work, including wetland delineations, vegetation surveys, wildlife assessments, and report writing. Expect up to 60% travel across TX, OK, and Gulf Coast, with hybrid work options and full-time benefits.

The ideal candidate will have a biology background and wetland experience, plus GPS/ArcGIS proficiency, and the ability to manage complex data and regulatory tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Biology or related field preferred
• Two+ years of wetland delineation experience preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead wetland delineations and aquatic resource surveys
• Prepare delineation reports and assist with permit applications
• Mentor junior staff and ensure regulatory compliance
• Coordinate data collection and GIS analyses for project deliverables

Job description

About the opportunity

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.

What you will accomplish

• Directs and participates in the collection, management, and summarization of field data and other best available information. Expected to ensure that information collected and applied to projects is accurate, complete, and verifiable.
• Directs and performs simple descriptive data analysis and collaborates with GIS and Statistical teams on more complex tasks to analyze significance, identify trends, and make predictions applicable to project questions. Directs and performs monitoring or management actions in the field to implement project requirements or regulatory terms and conditions. Creates and maintains records of completed activities and conditions for the project record.
• Coordinates and prepares sections of technical resource reports, including setting, objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions. Collaborates with Technical Editors to ensure quality of written deliverables.
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff on resource science, methods and practices, regulatory requirements, and project or client insights.
• Assists with identifying strategies for avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating project impacts and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Assists in drafting of planning and compliance documents for regulatory reviews and approval.
• Communicates directly with teaming partners, experts, clients, landowners, and agency staff to present or solicit technical information. Memorializes communications for project records and shares important insights, action items, or issues with project teams and supervisors.
• Engages in opportunities to increase understanding of and keep current on matters of science, regulation, and industry related to project work.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• 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

Experience and qualifications for success

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.