Natural Resources Technician

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a temporary Natural Resources Technician in Houston, TX. The role combines field and office tasks (85% field), performing biological surveys, data collection and entry, wetlands delineations, and endangered species activities, with report writing support for diverse natural resources projects.

The position is hourly, non-exempt, with pay based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prefers Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist crew leaders with natural resources field studies (wetland delineations, endangered species activities, etc.).
• Record data on GPS units and field site forms.
• Use maps and GPS to locate project areas and habitat types.
• Photograph and document habitat, species, and landforms.
• Operate SWCA vehicles and drive 4WD on rough roads.
• Support data organization, interpretation, and report preparation.
• Follow SWCA safety and ethics standards.

Skills

Biological field surveys

Data collection

Data entry

Wetland delineations

Threatened/endangered species

Report writing support

Field data recording

Outdoor work endurance

GPS data handling

Driving 4WD

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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

Tools

GPS units

Topographic maps

Aerial photographs

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 Louisiana flora 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 make SWCA 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; we are #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).

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 rate of $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.