Environmental Field Specialist / Technician

Highlander Consultants; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Highlander Consultants seeks an Environmental Field Specialist / Technician to support stormwater, environmental, and infrastructure projects for municipal, federal, and military clients. This field-focused role involves travel across Florida, Texas, and Georgia, with current assignments concentrated in Florida and the Southeast.

Key duties include illicit discharge investigations, stormwater mapping, GPS/GNSS data collection, dye testing, and documenting field observations.

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental field studies or related field preferred.
• Ability to read and navigate using maps and aerial imagery.
• Comfort with field technology and data collection workflows.

Responsibilities

• Perform field investigations in support of IDDE/IDS and other environmental studies.
• Conduct stormwater system investigations, mapping, dye testing, and flow tracing.
• Locate and document stormwater structures, outfalls, manholes, pipes, and other infrastructure.
• Collect GPS/GNSS coordinates and asset information using field equipment and mobile devices.
• Use GIS apps to navigate project sites and document field data.
• Maintain accurate electronic field records and perform basic QA/QC of data.
• Communicate field findings to project managers and staff.

Skills

GIS field data collection

Reading maps

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in environmental field or GIS

Tools

ArcGIS Field Maps

Survey123

ArcGIS Online

GPS/GNSS equipment

Job description

Environmental Field Specialist / Technician

Position Summary

Our firm, a growing engineering consulting company, is seeking an Environmental Field Specialist / Technician to support stormwater, environmental, and infrastructure projects for municipal, federal, and military clients. This is a field-focused position with frequent travel throughout Florida, Texas, and Georgia. Current assignments are concentrated in Florida, the Southeast, and Texas, with potential travel to other locations throughout the United States.

Typical assignments include illicit discharge investigations, stormwater system mapping, GPS/GNSS data collection, dye testing and flow tracing, infrastructure inspections, and other environmental field activities. GIS and mobile technology will be used extensively to navigate project sites, collect and document field information, and maintain accurate project records.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform field investigations in support of Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE/IDS) and other environmental studies.
• Conduct stormwater system investigations, mapping, dye testing, and flow tracing.
• Locate and document stormwater structures, outfalls, manholes, pipes, drainage features, and other infrastructure.
• Collect GPS/GNSS coordinates and asset information using field equipment, tablets, and mobile GIS applications.
• Use ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, ArcGIS Online, or similar applications to navigate project sites and collect field data.
• Verify existing GIS information against actual field conditions and document discrepancies.
• Collect photographs, measurements, infrastructure condition information, and detailed field observations.
• Assist with environmental sampling and other field activities, as needed.
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic field records and perform basic QA/QC of collected data.
• Communicate field findings and potential issues to project managers and technical staff.
• Assist with preparation of field summaries and supporting documentation.
• Follow applicable health, safety, security, and facility access requirements.
• Work effectively with company staff, teaming partners, clients, and facility personnel.

Advanced GIS analysis or application development is not required; however, candidates should be comfortable using technology and learning GIS-based field applications.

Travel Requirements - 40-50% of the time

• Frequent overnight and multi-day travel.
• Occasional field assignments lasting one to two weeks.
• Travel by vehicle and commercial airline.
• Outdoor field work for extended periods.
• Working outside normal business hours when required by field conditions, facility access, or project schedules.
• Working at military and federal facilities with specific security and access requirements.

Travel expenses will be handled in accordance with company travel policies.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in the field as an environmental technician is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental technology, GIS, geography, engineering technology, natural sciences, or a related field preferred.
• Interest in environmental, stormwater, utility, or infrastructure field work.
• Comfortable using tablets, smartphones, GPS/GNSS equipment, and other field technology.
• Ability to read and navigate using maps, aerial imagery, and basic plans.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to accurately document field observations.
• Ability to follow established field procedures and safety requirements.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with appropriate direction and as part of a small field team.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently.

Experience with GIS field applications, GPS/GNSS data collection, stormwater infrastructure, illicit discharge investigations, MS4 programs, dye testing, environmental sampling, utility mapping, SWPPP/SPCC programs, or federal/military projects is beneficial but not required.

Physical / Field Requirements

Candidates must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, walk significant distances, navigate uneven terrain, work around stormwater systems, utilities and roadways, bend or kneel to perform observations, carry typical field equipment, and perform field activities for extended periods.

Ideal Candidate

• We are looking for someone who likes being in the field and doesn’t want to spend every day sitting behind a desk.
• The ideal candidate is dependable, observant, organized, comfortable with technology, and willing to travel. They should enjoy figuring out how infrastructure works, collecting accurate information, and documenting what they find.
• Prior environmental or utility experience is helpful but not essential. We are most interested in someone with the right field mentality, attention to detail, willingness to learn, and comfort with travel.
• Because this position will work directly with clients and teaming partners, professionalism, good judgment, dependability, and the ability to represent the company well in the field are essential.