Natural Resources Technician

SWCA, Incorporated; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a temporary Natural Resources Technician in Houston, TX. The role covers 85% field work, with duties spanning wetland delineations, wildlife surveys, data entry, and report support, requiring some travel and outdoor endurance.

Qualifications include a high school diploma and at least 6 months of NR experience; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Strong flexibility, independent decision-making, and ability to carry 40 lbs are valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months of relevant natural resources experience.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures.
• Ability to try new techniques and to make independent decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn, have fun, and grow into increasing responsibilities.
• Ability to travel up to 85% of the time.
• Ability to work in challenging outdoor environments and carry up to 40 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Assist crew leaders with field studies: wetland delineations, endangered species work, stream assessments, habitat surveys.
• Record data on GPS units and site forms.
• Use maps, GPS, and aerials to locate project areas and landforms.
• Photograph and document habitat, species, and landforms.
• Operate SWCA vehicles, including 4WD on backcountry roads.
• Support project managers in data organization, interpretation, and report prep.
• Adhere to SWCA safety procedures and ethics.

Skills

Flexibility

Willingness to learn

Multitasking

Travel up to 85%

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related life sciences field

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA seeks a temporary Natural Resources Technician for the Houston, TX office. Our natural resources technicians will perform biological field surveys, assist with data collection and data entry, work on wetland delineations and threatened/endangered species activities, and support report writing for a variety of natural resources projects. The office typically supports various projects in the Southern region. We work to support our clients’ needs across multiple service areas including renewable generation, oil & gas, transmission, site development, and ecological restoration. The position requires the ability to work long hours in harsh conditions and be on the road for several days or weeks at a time.

This position is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt position offering a mixture of office and field assignments, with 85% being field work. Pay will be based on individual qualifications and experience.

What you will accomplish

• Assist crew leaders with a variety of natural resources field studies including wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species activities, stream assessments, vegetation and rare plant surveys, avian and wildlife surveys, aquatics surveys, wildlife habitat assessments, and stormwater compliance inspections.
• Record data on GPS units and field site forms or other forms
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms
• Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and landforms
• Operate SWCA vehicles. Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads
• Assist project managers in data organization, interpretation, and report preparation as needed
• Adhere to SWCA’s safety procedures and standards of scientific and professional ethics

Experience and qualifications for success

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Six (6) months of relevant natural resources experience
• Flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures.
• Ability to try new, innovative techniques, and to make independent decisions when appropriate to the situation or make adjustments as a member of a team in order to complete tasks in the most efficient and accurate manner.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to learn, have fun, and grow into increasing responsibilities in a positive work environment.
• Ability to travel up to 85% of the time. Projects typically run on a two-week rotation.
• Ability to work in challenging, outdoor work environments and carry up to 40 lbs

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related life sciences field
• Knowledge of Texas and Louisianaflora and fauna
• Working knowledge of wetland and riparian plant species identification, wetland soils, and wetland hydrology indicators
• Experience in avian surveys or wildlife surveys in Texas and Louisiana.

Why Work at SWCA:

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star)is to makeSWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; weare #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle,and we #GiveBack.

We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer a supportive, team-oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits, including an 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).

If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail] or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Houston-based position can expect an hourly rateof $20.20/hr.- $26.75/hr. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Temporary employees are eligible for wellness time.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award‑winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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