NWCA Field Technicians

ERG; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly Rate: $21–$24/hour

Hotel lodging during training and field work

GSA Per Diem provided

Medical insurance available

Accrued sick leave

Job summary

A research and consulting firm is seeking seasonal field technicians to support environmental assessments in Salt Lake City, UT. Ideal candidates will have a background in ecology or related fields, with pay ranging from $21 to $24 hourly depending on experience. Responsibilities include collecting data and ensuring the accuracy of data in remote locations. Training and necessary travel costs are covered. Positions available from April for seasonal work extending through mid-July with potential for August travel.

Qualifications

• At least two seasons of field data collection experience.
• Knowledge of wetland ecology and hydric soil indicators.
• Ability to work in adverse weather for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Collect data on wetland vegetation and soil.
• Follow EPA NWCA protocols during data collection.
• Maintain equipment and ensure safety in the field.

Skills

Wetland ecology knowledge

Data collection

Field navigation

Strong communication

Education

B.S. in soil science, hydrology, ecology, or related

Coursework in ecology, botany, or related

Tools

GPS devices

Ruggedized tablets

ArcGIS

Job description

Overview

ERG is a research and consulting firm that supports federal, state, and commercial clients with multidisciplinary teams in engineering, science, economics, public health, information technology, and communications. We seek a highly motivated individual capable of prioritizing, performing, and communicating effectively in a fast-paced environment.

ERG is seeking field technicians to support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2026 National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA)—a nationwide survey to assess the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of wetland resources. More information on NWCA: https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/what-national-wetland-condition-assessment.

We are hiring two seasonal field technicians based out of Salt Lake City, Utah, to conduct NWCA field sampling in Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. These positions are ideal for early-career professionals with experience or strong interest in wetland ecology, botany, soil science, hydrology, or natural resource management.

Locations: Salt Lake City, UT; travel to field sites as needed. All trips begin and end in SLC.

Position Details

• Field-based position on a 7 days on / 7 days off schedule for the season.
• Typical field days are 10–12 hours, depending on weather, site access, and travel time.
• Work is conducted in remote locations with limited services and intermittent cell coverage.
• Lodging and federal per diem are provided in hotels during field sampling.
• Crew structure: four staff organized into two teams — Vegetation Team (Botanist + Wetland Technician) and Assessment Area / Buffer Team (Soil Specialist + Wetland Technician).

Note: You do not need to live in Salt Lake City, but all trips begin and end in SLC.

Positions Available

• 1 Wetland Technician

Dates

• Anticipated Start Date: April 1, 2026 (tentative)
• End Date: Mid-July, with approximately 1 week of travel in August and September
• Potential extension into late September based on project need and performance.

Training

• All crew members must attend an EPA-led NWCA training course on project protocols prior to field sampling. ERG will cover travel and attendance.
• ERG will provide additional hands-on training in field safety, plant identification, and data QA/QC throughout the season.

Job Description

Job responsibilities include:

• Collect data on wetland vegetation, wetland soil, water quality, and the condition of buffers
• Collect soil and water quality samples and prepare them for shipping to national labs
• Review all collected data for completeness and accuracy before submission
• Follow EPA NWCA protocols and standard operating procedures with attention to detail
• Use ruggedized tablets for data collection and daily QA/QC tasks
• Navigate to remote field sites using GPS, maps, and 4WD vehicles
• Collect, prepare, organize and label samples; ensure proper chain-of-custody procedures
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with crew members and ERG staff
• Maintain equipment and follow safety procedures in challenging field environments

Qualifications and Skills

Soil Specialist (example role) - $21-24/hr DOE

• B.S. in soil science, hydrology, ecology, environmental science, or related field
• At least two seasons of field data collection experience
• Knowledge of wetland ecology and hydric soil indicators

Preferred:

• Experience digging soil pits and describing soil horizons
• Ability to hand-texture soils and identify hydric soil features
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Online
• Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or devices

Wetland Technician - $21/hour

• Coursework in ecology, botany, environmental science, natural resources, or related field
• At least one season of field data collection experience

Preferred:

• B.S. in ecology, botany, environmental science, or natural resources
• Experience with vegetation surveys or ecological monitoring
• Familiarity with plant families, field guides, and wetland species
• Experience describing soil morphology and hydric indicators

All Positions – Required Skills

• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions for extended periods
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day on rugged terrain; bend or crouch for extended periods; lift up to 40 lbs
• Work in remote environments with limited cell service
• Drive and navigate 4WD vehicles on varied roads
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and data integrity
• Valid U.S. driver’s license with insurable driving record
• Ability to pass background checks (federal, state, education, criminal, and driving)
• Enthusiasm for learning plants, soils, and wetland ecology

Equal opportunity statement: ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

For authenticity, the official ERG domain is https://www.erg.com. ERG may screen applicants via telephone or video interviews, but any job offer may require in-person meeting before sharing confidential information.

Reasonable accommodation requests for applicants with disabilities or disabled veterans can be made through Human Resources at [e-mail] or [phone].

ERG promotes a friendly, flexible work environment, fairness, and respect in our partnerships, culture, and work.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $21–$24/hour
• Hotel lodging during training and field sampling
• GSA Per Diem during training and field sampling
• Medical insurance available (if elected)
• Accrued sick leave
• All travel (vehicle, lodging, and per diem) covered by ERG