Lead Wetland Delineator

GAI Consultants Inc.; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 68,000 - 84,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm in Arizona is seeking a qualified Lead Wetland Delineator. The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of field study experience, particularly in wetland delineation and biological assessments. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, preparing reports, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This full-time position offers a salary ranging from $68,000 to $84,500 based on experience, along with comprehensive benefits including medical insurance and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of routine wetland/water field studies in environmental consulting.
• At least 3 years of experience as a field crew lead for environmental projects.
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act regulations and field assessment protocols.

Responsibilities

• Conduct jurisdictional delineation surveys and vegetation mapping.
• Prepare technical reports based on field data.
• Collaborate with environmental teams on various projects.

Skills

Wetland delineation

Biological assessment

Data analysis

Team collaboration

GPS proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Science or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

GPS units

Job description

Lead Wetland Delineator – Position Overview

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking experienced Lead Wetland Delineators to support projects throughout the greater Southwest US region. Candidates should be able to conduct independent or team field investigations related to wetland and watercourse delineation, stream assessments, general biological assessment, and vegetation mapping in Southwestern US terrestrial habitats, and manage and analyze field data for timely, budget‑constrained environmental reports.

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

This is a regular, full‑time, full‑salary position with the opportunity for overtime. The role includes field and desktop tasks and is eligible for remote employment, although candidates must be located within the Southwestern US region.

Position Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland/water jurisdictional delineation surveys, vegetation mapping, and general biological resources site assessments independently or as part of a team.
• 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.
• Use desktop resources and digital tools (topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS‑based field platforms such as Field Maps, Survey123, etc.) to prepare and execute field studies.
• Assist in preparing technical reports based on data collected in the field.
• 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 governmental regulations regarding regulated wetlands and waterbodies.
• Work effectively 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.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Applicants must provide progressive professional experience conducting jurisdictional delineations of state and federal waters/wetlands in the Southwest.
• Minimum 5 years of routine wetland/water field studies for private or public sector projects in the environmental consulting industry.
• For Lead Wetland Delineators: at least 3 of the 5 years must be 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, as well as accepted field assessment protocols and field instruments.
• Familiarity with relevant federal, state, and local regulations including, but not limited to, Endangered Species Acts, NEPA, and CWA permits.
• Strong knowledge of Southwest US flora and fauna, especially state and federally listed special‑status plant and animal species.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Southwest US region, including overnight stays.
• Ability to hike long distances (up to ~10–12 miles/day) and work in various terrains and weather conditions, carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment and supplies.
• Comfortable conducting field work on active construction sites in the presence of construction crews.
• Strong punctuality, professionalism, and preparation to execute work independently or as part of a team.
• 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 technical reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

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‑collected 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.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and recognition.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Company‑paid life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.
• Generous paid time off plus 7 paid holidays.
• Floting holiday.
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development and certification support.

Equal Opportunity Statement

GAI is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with federal employment laws and support Veterans, individuals with disabilities. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.