Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist (Assistant Wetland Delineator)

ERM; New Orleans (LA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM seeks an early-career Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist (Assistant Wetland Delineator) in New Orleans, LA or Houston, TX to support wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and permit processes. You’ll gain hands-on field skills, work with an experienced team, and contribute to projects protecting natural resources.

You will operate in a collaborative ERM Impact Assessment group, performing data collection, OHWM documentation, and environmental analyses while growing technical

Qualifications

• BA/BS or MS in a natural science discipline or the equivalency of 8+ years related experience in lieu of education.
• 0+ years of professional experience
• Coursework or training in wetland delineation using the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and applicable Regional Supplements
• Familiarity with Army Corps of Engineers Regional Supplements (Arid West and/or Great Plains)
• Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork up to 75% of the time, outdoors and in variable conditions
• Working knowledge of GPS technologies and map interpretation (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial imagery)
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and fieldwork best practices
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing needs, and work independently with minimal supervision
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineations in accordance with the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements
• Document ordinary high-water marks (OHWM) and geophysical characteristics of waterbodies
• Perform habitat and environmental assessments
• Complete data collection, GPS data management, and quality review
• Support desktop environmental constraints analysis and permitting processes
• Assist with survey report preparation and permit applications
• Participate in fieldwork safely and in alignment with ERM and client safety standards
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members and subject matter experts
• Communicate effectively with clients and internal stakeholders on environmental science matters
• Deliver work in accordance with scope, schedule, budget, and ERM quality standards
• Support the growth and delivery of ERM's environmental and impact assessment services

Skills

GPS & mapping interpretation

Written & verbal communication

Field safety culture

Independent work ethic

Travel readiness

Education

BA/BS or MS in natural science or 8+ years experience in lieu

Wetland delineation coursework / manuals

Tools

GPS devices

Environmental data management

Job description

Launch Your Environmental Consulting Career While Making a Real Difference

Join ERM as a Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist (Assistant Wetland Delineator) in Houston, Texas or New Orleans, Louisiana, and gain hands-on experience supporting impactful infrastructure, energy, and development projects. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career environmental professional to work alongside experienced consultants, develop technical field skills, and contribute to projects that help clients make informed decisions while protecting natural resources. If you're passionate about wetlands, environmental stewardship, and building a career in consulting, this role offers a strong foundation for long-term growth and development.

Why This Role Matters

As a Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist (Assistant Wetland Delineator), you'll play a critical role in helping clients understand and responsibly manage environmental impacts. Your work supports informed decision-making for infrastructure, energy, and development projects, balancing progress with environmental stewardship.

What Your Impact Is

You’ll provide high-quality analytical and field support as part of ERM's Impact Assessment team, contributing to wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and permit support across a wide range of projects. Working alongside experienced professionals, you'll help deliver technically sound, fit-for-purpose solutions while building valuable expertise in environmental consulting. Your contributions will support project success, regulatory compliance, and responsible environmental management for clients across multiple industries.

Required

What You’ll Bring

• BA/BS or Master's degree in a natural science discipline, or the equivalency of 8+ years related experience in lieu of education
• 0+ years of professional experience
• Coursework or training in wetland delineation using the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and applicable Regional Supplements
• Familiarity with Army Corps of Engineers Regional Supplements (Arid West and/or Great Plains)
• Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork up to 75% of the time, outdoors and in variable conditions
• Working knowledge of GPS technologies and map interpretation (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial imagery)
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and fieldwork best practices
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing needs, and work independently with minimal supervision
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

• Previous internship, field course, or hands-on experience with wetland delineation or habitat assessments
• Experience collecting, reviewing, or managing environmental field data
• Local or regional familiarity with the Houston area and surrounding environments
• Local candidates preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineations in accordance with the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements
• Document ordinary high-water marks (OHWM) and geophysical characteristics of waterbodies
• Perform habitat and environmental assessments
• Complete data collection, GPS data management, and quality review
• Support desktop environmental constraints analysis and permitting processes
• Assist with survey report preparation and permit applications
• Participate in fieldwork safely and in alignment with ERM and client safety standards
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members and subject matter experts
• Communicate effectively with clients and internal stakeholders on environmental science matters
• Deliver work in accordance with scope, schedule, budget, and ERM quality standards
• Support the growth and delivery of ERM's environmental and impact assessment services

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!