Lead Wetland Delineator

GAI Consultants Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 68,000 - 84,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous paid time off

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

GAI Consultants Inc. is looking for experienced Lead Wetland Delineators to conduct field investigations and support environmental projects throughout the greater Southwest US region. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in wetland delineation, data management, and field survey techniques.

The role requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and the ability to conduct work in varying conditions. The position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in environmental consulting.
• Experience conducting jurisdictional delineations.
• Proven ability to work in teams and independently.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineation surveys and vegetation mapping.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in the field.
• Prepare technical reports based on field data.

Skills

Field investigations related to wetland delineation

GPS proficiency

Knowledge of Clean Water Act

Data management for technical reports

Strong knowledge of Southwest US flora and fauna

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Digital data collection forms

4-wheel-drive vehicle operation

Job description

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking experienced Lead Wetland Delineators to support projects throughout the greater Southwest US region. Ideal candidates will be excited to conduct field work and have a proven track record of independently or as part of a team conducting field investigations related to wetland and watercourse delineation, stream assessments, general biological assessment, and vegetation mapping in a variety of Southwestern US terrestrial habitats, as well as experience with reviewing, managing, and analyzing field data and contributing to environmental reports on time and within budget.

Position Responsibilities

• Work independently or as part of a team to conduct wetland/water jurisdictional delineation surveys, vegetation mapping and general biological resources site assessments.
• Participate in pre‑field planning and post‑field data analysis, processing, and management in support of technical report preparation, under the direction of the project's Environmental Task Manager.
• Utilize desktop resources and other digital tools (e.g., topographic maps, aerial photographs, industry‑related GPS‑based field data platforms such as Field Maps and Survey123) for the preparation and execution of field studies.
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports associated with the data collected in the field.
• Collect and maintain accurate field reports and data logs using digital forms and collaborative databases.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide additional support to the Environmental Team as needed.
• Read, analyze, and interpret industry protocols, technical reports and procedures, and governmental regulations regarding regulated wetlands and waterbodies.
• Work well as part of a field team, including subconsultants.
• Conduct field work safely and efficiently, following GAI and Project‑specific health and safety protocols. Training will be provided for all Project‑specific safety topics.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Progressive professional experience conducting jurisdictional delineations of state and federal waters/wetlands in the Southwest.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience routinely performing wetland/water field studies for private or public sector projects in the environmental consulting industry.
• For Lead Wetland Delineators: at least three of the five years’ experience must be related to conducting field work as field crew lead.
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401, approved field assessment protocols, and associated field instruments for determining jurisdiction of wetlands and waters.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations including Endangered Species Acts, NEPA, and Clean Water Act permits.
• Strong knowledge of Southwest US flora and fauna, especially state and federally listed special‑status plant and animal species.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites within the Southwest US region, including overnight stays, and to hike long distances (up to 10–12 miles/day) and conduct fieldwork up to 12 hours/day in varied weather conditions while carrying equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Up to 75% travel.
• Comfortable with active construction site field work alongside construction crews.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a 4‑wheel‑drive vehicle in off‑road conditions; UTV operation experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with GPS units and electronic data forms (cell or tablet) to collect, organize, and manage data for defensible technical reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and interest in conducting focused surveys and habitat suitability assessments for common and special‑status plant and wildlife species in the Southwestern US.
• Experience preparing and reviewing environmental reports using field data.
• Experience managing field teams.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Certification (preferred but not required).

Compensation

The salary ranges for these positions are $68,000 to $84,500 per year, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay & Recognition
  • Market‑based, competitive compensation
  • Performance‑driven recognition and development bonuses
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability
  • Company‑paid life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Meaningful Work‑Life Balance
  • Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
  • Additional floating holiday
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Growth, Learning & Financial Security
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

General Characteristics

• Responsible for delivering project field data within scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Employ critical thinking, time management, and technical skills to gather and analyze information for environmental reports.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.