Lead Wetland Delineator

GAI Consultants Inc; United States; Remote; USD 68,000 - 84,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

An environmental consulting company is seeking a Lead Wetland Delineator for projects in the Southwestern US. The role involves conducting field investigations and managing teams for wetland and watercourse delineation. Candidates must have at least 5 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and proficiency with GPS tools. The position offers a salary between $68,000 and $84,500 annually, along with benefits such as medical coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in environmental consulting, specifically in wetland delineation.
• Experience leading field work teams and conducting jurisdictional delineations.
• Strong knowledge of regulations related to wetlands like Clean Water Act.

Responsibilities

• Conduct jurisdictional delineation surveys and biological resources assessments.
• Prepare technical reports based on field data and analyses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet project goals.

Skills

Field investigation

Data analysis

Knowledge of flora and fauna

GPS proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

GPS-based platforms/software

Digital data forms

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.

This is a regular, full‑time position with the opportunity for overtime. The role will support both field and desktop‑based tasks, depending on business needs. Remote employment is eligible, but candidates must be located within the Southwestern US region.

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 digital tools (topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS‑based platforms/software such as Field Maps, Survey123, etc.) and other tools for 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 water bodies.
• Work well as part of a field team (including sub‑consultants).
• Operate safely and efficiently, following GAI and project‑specific health and safety protocols; training will be provided.

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.
• 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 a 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, current field assessment protocols, and instruments to determine jurisdiction of wetlands and waters.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations including 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, including overnight stays.
• Physical ability to hike long distances (up to ~10‑12 miles/day) and conduct fieldwork in various terrains for up to 12 hours/day.
• Comfort with working on active construction sites.
• Ability to follow instructions from project managers and field leads while thinking critically through unplanned situations.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to operate a 4‑wheel drive vehicle in off‑road conditions; UTV experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with GPS units and electronic data forms (cell or tablet) to support defensible and accurate technical reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

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.
• Experience preparing and reviewing environmental reports from 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.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include

• Market‑based, competitive compensation.
• Performance‑driven recognition and development bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Company‑paid life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.
• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays.
• Additional floating holiday.
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications.

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 the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.