Lead Wetland Delineator

GAI Consultants, Inc.; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 84,500; Full time

Job summary

GAI Consultants, Inc. seeks experienced Lead Wetland Delineators to support projects across the greater Southwest US region.

Ideal candidates will conduct field investigations related to wetland delineation, stream assessments, and vegetation mapping, with data analysis contributing to environmental reports. The role is full‑time, offers travel up to 75%, and supports remote work within the Southwestern US.

Qualifications

• Progressive professional experience conducting jurisdictional delineations of state and federal waters/wetlands in the Southwest.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience performing wetland/water field studies in environmental consulting.
• Lead Delineator: at least 3 of 5 years’ field crew lead experience on environmental projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related.
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act, ESA, NEPA regulations and related permitting processes.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% to project sites in the Southwest.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate 4x4 off‑road vehicles; UTV experience a plus.
• Proficiency with GPS units and digital data forms; MS Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland and water‑jurisdictional delineation surveys and vegetation mapping.
• Contribute to data processing, analysis, and technical report preparation under supervision.
• Support field data collection using GPS devices and digital forms; maintain field logs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and assist with safety documentation.

Skills

Wetland delineation

Field surveys

GPS data collection

MS Office

Field crew leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

GPS devices

Field Maps

Survey123

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.

The field work will support a variety of project types and stages, including siting/routing/due diligence studies, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, natural resources/waters impact avoidance and permitting, and construction support.

These positions are regular, full‑time positions with the opportunity for overtime supporting projects throughout the Southwestern US. This role will support both field and desktop‑based tasks, depending on business needs. This position is eligible for remote employment, but requires candidates to be located within the Southwestern US region.

Position Responsibilities

• Work independently or as part of 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, etc.), industry‑related GPS‑based field data platforms/software (Field Maps, Survey123, etc.) and other tools 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 in a safe and efficient way by using good judgment in addition to following GAI and Project‑specific health and safety protocols. Training will be provided for all Project‑specific safety topics.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Applicants must be able to provide progressive professional experience conducting jurisdictional delineations of state and federal waters/wetlands in the Southwest to be considered for the position.
• 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 for projects in the environmental consulting industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of current Clean Water Act Section 404 and Section 401 regulatory policy, and current field assessment protocols and instruments to determine jurisdiction of wetlands and waters.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations including but not limited to federal and state Endangered Species Acts (ESAs), NEPA, and Clean Water Act (CWA) permits.
• Strong knowledge of Southwest US flora and fauna, especially state and federally listed special‑status plant and animal species.
• Willingness and ability to travel to project site locations within the Southwest US region, including overnight stays and up to 75% travel.
• Willingness and physical ability to hike long distances (up to 12 miles/day) and conduct fieldwork in a variety of terrains for long hours (up to 12 hours/day) in various weather conditions, carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable with conducting field work on active construction sites in the presence of construction crews.
• Must have a 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 using GPS units and electronic data forms (cell or tablet) in the field to collect, organize, and manage data supporting 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 Southwest US.
• Experience preparing and reviewing environmental reports using field data.
• Experience managing field teams.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Certification is preferred but not required.

Compensation

• Salary ranges from $68,000 to $84,500 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

General Characteristics

• Responsible for delivering scope, schedule, budget, and quality of data associated with project field efforts (wildlife, botanical, water, etc.).
• Use critical thinking, time management, and technical skills to gather data and information for environmental reports.

Why GAI?

GAI offers skilled professionals an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join colleagues tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility, comprehensive, personalized benefits, employee wellness programs, and more. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.

Benefits to Working at GAI Include

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—use it for what matters to you.
• 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.