Wetland Biologist

The Wetland Biologist is responsible for assessing wetland and stream resources for a variety of clients. This role involves conducting field surveys, completing associated forms and reports, and communicating this information to project managers and/or clients. Requirements of this position include but are not limited to field work and report writing, assisting with proposal efforts, management of projects, and mentoring other employees. This field portion of this role involves conducting field surveys, delineating boundaries of aquatic resources, and measuring and monitoring the health of aquatic systems. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

Field Work and Surveys 

• Conduct field surveys to identify and delineate wetland and stream boundaries and classify wetland and stream quality 

• Collect data on soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife within wetlands and streams.  

• Collect and record field data accurately and efficiently 

• Utilize data collection devices (e.g. GPS) and GIS tools to map and document site conditions 

• Perform habitat assessments for threatened, and endangered (T&E) species 

Reporting and Permitting 

• Complete data forms from information collected in the field 

• Prepare draft technical reports and survey results 

• Accurately completing Wetland Assessment and Delineation reports 

• Assist in determining permitting requirements and project accomplishment strategies to clients with respect to wetlands, stream and T&E 

• Initiate review of federal, state, and local wetland and stream regulations 

• Assist in obtaining necessary permits for projects with impacts to wetlands and/or streams 

• Preparing thorough permit application components and submitting to agencies on client’s behalf as necessary 

Client and Project Management 

• Discuss project details with potential clients 

• Assist and/or prepare proposals based on client discussions 

• Communicate with clients regarding task progress 

• Produce accurate and on time task deliverables 

Mentorship and Technical Expertise 

• Guide less experienced personnel in survey techniques and field and office processes 

• Assists other practice areas as necessary 

Requirements 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Education: B.S./B.A. degree in natural science field of study 

• Experience: 1+ years wetland delineation field experience 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience: 

• 40-hour Wetland Delineation training 

• Preparing 404 and 401 permit applications through federal and state agencies including USACE, DEP/EPA, SHPO, DNR, and USFWS 

• Experience with local and regional flora identification 

• Experience with soil classification 

• Familiar with state and federal regulations, the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Manual, and current Regional Supplements 

• Experience with agency permitting  

• Experience coordinating with state and federal agencies regarding threatened and endangered species, floodplain development, historic/archaeological, etc. 

• Experience with Global Position Systems (GPS) 

• Experience with AutoCAD or GIS 

• Additional background in fisheries, endangered species, herpetology, or amphibians 

Desired Skills: 

• Ability to delineate wetlands independently 

• Ability to read and interpret resource and engineering drawings  

• Ability to key out and identify plants using identification manuals 

• Consultative or educational approach to client relationships 

• Tolerant of outdoors working conditions, remote locations, all weather conditions 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Experience with technical report writing 

• Self-motivated and organized 

• Thrive in independent/solo work environments 

Work Environment  

This candidate will need to collaborate effectively with other coworkers and supervisors. Additionally, this candidate needs to be able to complete project work independently, with minimal supervision. Work assignments may include consecutive days in the office working on reporting or outdoors in all kinds of weather, and sometimes in remote and challenging locations. Overnight stays to complete field work are part of this position.   

This position is an office-based role. Employees will work a schedule which includes office work on location in the Stow office and travel to offsite field work at various locations.  

Standard office equipment will be provided to work in the office and at home. Working from home is acceptable for this role as approved by your direct supervisor. Resource Guru must be updated to indicate your work location for the day. Uninterrupted home-based internet is a must in your home to attend and host video calls, along with a minimum bandwidth speed of 20 mbps. Office space will be provided for you in the company’s headquarters or regional office.  

Additional:  

Department & Division: 470 Natural Resources  

Exempt Status*: Exempt  

Reports to**: Regional Lead  

Works with Inside Company:  

• Internal Human Resources Team  

• Internal Corporate Teams  

• Wetland Leads 

• Wetland Project Managers 

• Wetland Biologists 

• Natural Resources leadership & personnel   

Works with Outside Company:  

• Consultants and vendors as necessary   

• Various clients as necessary 

Working Conditions:  

• Stow Headquarters or Regional Office  

• Field work in various outdoor locations 

• Active construction sites  

• Long periods of driving   

• Some weekend and out of town travel can be expected   

Supervisor Responsibilities:  

• None 

Physical Requirements:  

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time  

• Repeat motions that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers  

• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 lbs.   

• Communication with others to exchange information. Must be able to see, read, write, and speak.  

• Occasional standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching  

• Working outdoors in all kinds of weather.   

• Walking for periods of time including maneuvering uneven, uphill, and downhill terrain  

Travel Requirements:  

• % of travel time: 25%-75%; varies with fluctuation in workload and work location 

*This position is classified as exempt based on the job duties. 

**The company reserves the right to make changes to the reporting structure for this position due to business needs.