EPP Field Scientist

Terracon; Wheat Ridge (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking an Environmental Scientist to conduct wetland delineations, species habitat assessments, and wildlife surveys in Colorado. You will collect field data, support ecological evaluations, and assist with permitting and reporting for multidisciplinary projects.

The role requires a biology- or ecology-related degree (or 5 years of related experience) and proficiency in field mapping and data management. ArcGIS Pro experience is a plus, with travel to project sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or related field required; or 5 years of related experience in lieu of degree.
• Experience conducting ecological field surveys or environmental consulting projects.
• Knowledge of wetland delineation methodologies and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineations and ordinary high water mark determinations per regulatory guidance.
• Perform threatened and endangered species habitat assessments and wildlife surveys.
• Collect and manage environmental field data using GPS and field mapping tools.
• Identify wetlands, streams, vegetation communities, and wildlife habitat relevant to projects.
• Assist with biological assessments, ecological evaluations, and environmental permitting efforts.
• Support preparation of technical reports, survey documentation, and regulatory correspondence.

Skills

Technical writing

Fieldwork

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology / Ecology / Environmental Science

5+ years related experience in lieu of degree

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

GPS data collection

Job description

General Responsibilities:

Conduct wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species habitat assessments, and species-specific wildlife surveys in accordance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Collect, document, and analyze field data to evaluate natural resources, sensitive habitats, and ecological conditions. Identify environmental constraints and provide recommendations to support project planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance. Prepare technical reports, survey documentation, and permit application support materials. Assist with project planning, data management, and GIS mapping, with experience using ArcGIS Pro considered a plus. Projects may include wetland and stream assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, habitat evaluations, biological assessments, environmental permitting, ecological monitoring, and natural resource management.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct wetland delineations and ordinary high water mark determinations in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regional Supplements and applicable state guidance.
• Perform threatened and endangered species habitat assessments and species-specific wildlife surveys using accepted federal and state survey protocols.
• Collect, document, and manage environmental field data using GPS equipment, mobile data collection applications, and field mapping technologies.
• Identify wetlands, streams, vegetation communities, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources that may affect project planning and permitting.
• Assist with biological assessments, ecological evaluations, and environmental permitting efforts.
• Support preparation of technical reports, survey documentation, permit application materials, figures, maps, and regulatory agency correspondence.
• Support project managers with proposal preparation, project planning, scheduling, and client communication.
• Coordinate field activities while maintaining accurate field notes, photographs, and quality documentation.
• Utilize ArcGIS Pro to develop maps, organize spatial data, and support environmental analyses (preferred).
• Ensure work is performed safely and in compliance with company health and safety policies. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Travel to project sites and perform field work under varying terrain and weather conditions.
• May have limited client contact pertaining to specific projects/tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or related science field and a minimum 1 year related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 5 years’ related experience.
• Experience conducting ecological field surveys, natural resource assessments, or environmental consulting projects.
• Knowledge of wetland delineation methodologies and federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Familiarity with threatened and endangered species survey protocols and habitat assessments.
• Strong technical writing, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Physical Requirements

• 40 Hour Basic Wetland Delineation Training
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro and GPS data collection.
• Familiarity with the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other environmental regulations.
• Experience with NEPA documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk several miles per day over uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
• Ability to traverse wetlands, streams, forests, grasslands, and construction sites.
• Ability to travel overnight as project needs require.