Wetland Delineator

GAI Consultants Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; 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

GAI Consultants Inc. is looking for experienced Wetland Delineators to join their team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The successful candidate will conduct field investigations related to wetland delineation, assess biological resources, and ensure accurate data management.

With responsibilities including conducting surveys and preparing technical reports, this role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least five years of professional experience. GAI offers competitive compensation, comprehensive health benefits, and support for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience performing wetland field studies.
• Familiarity with Clean Water Act regulations.
• Comfortable conducting fieldwork in varying terrains.

Responsibilities

• Conduct jurisdictional delineation surveys and vegetation mapping.
• Assist in technical report preparation based on field data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for project support.

Skills

Field investigations

Wetland delineation

Data analysis

Biological assessments

Strong knowledge of Southwest US flora and fauna

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

GPS units

Microsoft Office suite

Data management software

Job description

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking experienced 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.

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 other digital tools (topographic maps, aerial photographs, etc.) and industry related GPS‑based field data platforms/software (Field Maps, Survey123, etc.) for the 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 waterbodies.
• Work well as part of a field team (including subconsultants).
• Conduct field work in a safe and efficient way by utilizing good judgment and following GAI and project‑specific health and safety protocols. Training will be provided for all project‑specific safety topics.
• Maintain punctuality, professionalism, and the ability to think critically through unplanned situations while maintaining a positive attitude.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• 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.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act Section 404 and Section 401 regulatory policy, 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 Clean Water Act 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.
• Willingness to hike long distances (up to 12 miles/day) and conduct fieldwork in a variety of terrains for up to 12 hours/day in various weather conditions, carrying equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable conducting field work on active construction sites in the presence of construction crews.
• 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) in the field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (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 Southwestern US.
• Experience preparing and reviewing environmental reports using data collected in the field.
• Experience managing field teams.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Certification preferred but not required.

Compensation

• Salary ranges $68,000 to $84,500 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits to Working at GAI Include

• Competitive Pay & Recognition
  • Market‑based, competitive compensation
  • Performance‑driven recognition and development bonuses
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability
  • Company‑paid life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Meaningful Work‑Life Balance
  • Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
  • An additional floating holiday
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Growth, Learning & Financial Security
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 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.