Staff Water Resources Scientist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an employee-owned company of environmental professionals who specialize in natural and cultural resource management, environmental planning, and regulatory compliance. We are expanding our aquatic resources team out of our Pasadena office, and we are looking for a professional who is enthusiastic, motivated, and enjoys aquatic resource technical work.

We are seeking a Staff Water Resources Scientist to conduct aquatic resource field delineation surveys and prepare technical reports and permit applications for projects across Southern California. Tasks include assessing conditions, collecting data, mapping resources using a Tablet, drafting data results, discussing preliminary results with subject matter experts, assessing the jurisdictional status of observed resources through research and coordination, and communicating findings in an aquatic resource delineation report that complies with multiple resource agencies standards. In addition, a key element of your job will be to independently supervise environmental survey crews in the field.

Requirements include being able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of hydrologic systems and streams in the Arid West, completion of either formal or informal delineation training course, and/or have sufficient experience delineating aquatic resource features and boundaries. Additional delineation training and support may be provided through mentorship with an experienced delineator out of our Pasadena office. While a remote work schedule is allowed, you should be in, or close to, the Greater Los Angeles region to accommodate field work and in-person training opportunities.

This is a regular part time position (26 - 34 hrs/wk). The applicant should have basic training in evaluating hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrologic indicators, ordinary high water mark indicators in the Arid West, and problematic wetland situations. The position will provide development opportunities for applying or gaining additional experience preparing Regional Water Quality Control Board Section 401, United States Army Corps of Engineers Section 404, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife 1600, permit applications, submitting applications, and coordinating project information requests. This is a regular, full-time position, and the applicant should be located in, or be willing to relocate to the Greater Los Angeles region of Southern California, such as Los Angeles County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, or Riverside County.

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 natural resources surveys, including aquatic resources delineations and botanical species identification in accordance with appropriate regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare aquatic resources reports and environmental permit applications, such as pre-construction notifications and individual permit applications to agency standards.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, tablets and other tools to determine exact locations of project areas.

• Supervise a small crew while conducting environmental fieldwork. This includes:

  • independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;
  • ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;
  • serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;
  • receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
  • monitoring team productivity and providing timely performance feedback, including deciding when disciplinary action is necessary and delivering discipline.
• Prepare field equipment, plan field logistics, and provide oversight of survey implementation and data management.
• Operate SWCA vehicles safely (ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads) and follow all required safety protocols.
• Work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Take initiative, resolve problems, and communicate with team members to ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• Conduct Arborist surveys

• B.S. in biology, ecology, hydrology, environmental science, environmental management, or a closely related scientific field.
• Knowledge of the fauna and flora of the Arid West and California and ability to correctly utilize keys and resources to determine species level.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience conducting aquatic resources delineations in the field.
• Must be a certified arborist.

Preferred Qualification:

• Preference for individual who completed an approved 40-hour wetland delineation course. Ideal if individual is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist.

Additional Information:

• Must be able to use GPS units and computer software with minimal assistance or training.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability and willingness to travel (i.e., must be able to travel, sometimes upon short notice, and for extended periods) and work in varying weather conditions.

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.

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 accommodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

Employees in this position are eligible for consideration for SWCA's annual bonus program, which provides awards based on individual and organizational performance. To review additional benefits associated with this position, click here: https://www.swca.com/careers/totalrewards/benefits

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 as a Staff Biologist can expect a pay rate of $29.43 - $37.40/hour; 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.

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.

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