Wetland Scientist/Ecologist

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. You could say we know a little something about the environment. Our passion for it drives our work. We're a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that's critical to our clients and the communities they support. We know what it takes to balance competing project interests with creativity and efficiency. We know what to look for and we know how to get the job done the right way. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.
Your Opportunity
Stantec's gulf coast environmental services group is seeking a Wetland Scientist/Ecologist to serve as a team leader for environmental field surveys, reporting, and permitting support for our clients in the renewable energy, electric transmission, oil & gas pipeline, transportation, community development, habitat restoration and other business sectors. The selected candidate will assist our team of environmental professionals on environmental impact analysis, wetland, stream, and vegetation assessments/monitoring, and endangered species surveys in Texas and across the gulf coast. This position would be based in in one of our Gulf coast office locations (New Orleans, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, Jackson, MS, Mobile, AL, Pensacola, FL or Tallahassee, FL).

As a Wetland Scientist/Ecologist, you will work in a highly dynamic team environment with other biologists/ecologists/water resource specialists, ecosystem restoration engineers, NEPA specialists, environmental planners, and regulatory experts. This position will include opportunities for both field and office work; it may also involve extensive travel and several days/weeks in the field and away from home.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Leading teams during field studies, including:
  • Wetland and stream delineations and assessments;
  • Vegetation inventories/monitoring;
  • Wildlife surveys and habitat assessments;
  • Aquatic assessments (lake and stream);
• Conducting background data reviews;
• Completing and submitting environmental permit applications;
• Conducting endangered resource record reviews;
• Conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments;
• GPS data collection and mapping support;
• ArcGIS online mapping and data collection applications;
• Record, enter, organize, manage, and analyze data; and
• Preparation of written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for client and regulatory agency review.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Certified Wetland Delineator.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification is a plus.
• Demonstrable experience in conducting wetlands delineations, wildlife surveys and habitat assessments.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic with a demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Solid field skills including the ability to navigate in difficult terrain using aerial maps.
• Familiarity with GPS data collection, a broad range of ecological communities, environmental regulatory compliance, and prior consulting experience is preferred.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record required.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
• Willingness to travel and conduct field work in remote areas for extended periods (up to 50% of the time), including overnight travel, is expected for this position.
• Good driving record and valid driver's license required.
• Willingness to travel and conduct field work in potentially remote areas for extended periods (up to 50% of the time) including overnight travel is expected for this position. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.
• Ability to lift and move items and equipment up to 50 lbs.

Education and Experience

• The ideal candidate will have at minimum, a bachelor's degree in an environmental discipline (biology, ecology, natural resources, soil science or related natural resources field) with demonstrated experience with biological surveys in the region.
• Demonstrated experience of 4 or more years conducting wetland delineations, natural resource inventories and surveys.
• Experience with wetland permitting (NWPs, IPs, RGPs, State Permits), functional/conditional assessment and Section 7 ESA consultations is required.
• Experience conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments is desirable.
• Experience with computers and Trimble hand-held GPS units or other similar GPS based survey equipment.
• Technical writing skills are necessary for this position.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.