Wetland Scientist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. 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.

SWCA‘s Southern California Natural Resources group is actively seeking a botanist or biologist and wetland and stream delineator (HR Title = Project Wetland Scientist) with experience in Southern California to join our multi-disciplinary team in Pasadena, California. In this role you will be expected to perform wetland and stream delineations, manage larger field efforts, work with other technical staff, complete permit applications for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and produce high-quality reports, permit applications, and documentation for a variety of public and private sector clients/projects. As an integral member of SWCA‘s Natural Resources Program, you will collaborate with peers and learn aspects of project management, scoping, and budgeting proposals. Work will be done both in and out of the office throughout Southern and Central California, and in varying field conditions including desert, mountain, and coastal environments.

This is a regular, full-time hourly position, and pay will be based on individual qualifications and experience. Our Pasadena office offers a unique work environment and specializes in Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Permitting.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

• Conduct field work related to wetlands and streams, including jurisdictional delineations, vegetation community mapping, and functional assessments.
• Lead and manage field teams.
• Prepare and review technical documents, including permitting documentation, wetland delineation reports, mitigation plans, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) supporting documentation and relevant sections.
• Assist with proposal scope and budgets.
• Coordinate agency review of wetland and stream permit applications.
• Work as a task lead as part of a multi-disciplinary team on larger-scale projects.
• Manage budgets and deliverables for both small and large projects.
• Take responsibility for team safety, develop safety plans (when applicable), and anticipate potential safety hazards.

• Bachelor‘s degree in a biological science or closely related field.
• Graduate of a Society of Wetland Scientists approved 40-hour wetland delineation course, such as those offered by the Swamp School, Wetland Training Institute, or Richard Chinn Environmental Training.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience as a wetland and stream delineator in a California-based consulting or a similar work environment, mapping waters of the U.S., waters of the State, and CDFW jurisdiction.
• Understanding of permitting and mitigation requirements for Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, State Water Board, and CDFW.
• Working knowledge of wetland and riparian plant species identification, wetland soils, and wetland hydrology indicators.
• Mapping wetland and water boundaries and vegetation alliances to sub-meter accuracy using a Trimble GeoExplorer XT GPS or tablet paired with a precision GPS receiver.
• Excellent verbal, written and problem-solving skills.
• Able to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions and walk up to 10 miles per day, including travel throughout Southern and Central California, and possession of a valid driver‘s license
• Able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email or call . This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All 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 on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Pasadena, CA - based position can expect a pay rate of $77,220/year - $99,450/year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA‘s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

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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