Associate Wetland Scientist - Energy Market

Job Description

Welcome to Olsson's Energy Environmental team, where innovation meets sustainability. Our team of scientists and biologists supports the continued growth of our Energy Market and helps our clients expand energy infrastructure to meet the country's growing demand. As an Associate Scientist, you will support renewable energy, transmission, and other infrastructure projects with a focus on wetlands and water permitting, as well as other field surveys, preparation of technical reports, and data processing. You will build skills in wetland delineation, vegetation identification, Section 404 permitting, Section 408 permissions, and regulatory coordination while working alongside experienced scientists and project managers who provide mentorship and guidance for your professional development. With the dynamic nature of this work, no two days are the same.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct aquatic resource delineations and other field surveys, including habitat assessments, stream assessments, vegetation identification, and soil and hydrology data collection, following USACE methods and regional supplements.
• Prepare and contribute to aquatic resource delineation reports, stream assessment reports, jurisdictional determination requests, and other technical documents.
• Support Clean Water Act permitting, including preparing Section 404 permit applications (Nationwide and Individual Permits) and Section 401 water quality certification materials.
• Support Section 408 permission requests for projects that alter or occupy federally authorized civil works, including researching project locations, preparing environmental compliance reviews, compilation of multidisciplinary submittal, and coordinating with USACE, local levee sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• Support and, with experience, assist in coordinating or leading field efforts, including directing daily survey activities and ensuring data quality.
• Support the team with additional surveys and reporting as needed, including but not limited to species surveys, vegetation monitoring, and construction compliance monitoring.
• Mentor junior staff on delineating aquatic resources including delineation of feature boundaries, soil assessment, vegetation identification, and hydrology.
• Use GIS, mobile data collection platforms, and standardized field and reporting methodologies to support project execution.
• Support small-scale project management tasks, including monitoring timelines, budgets, and scope, under the guidance of senior staff.
• Communicate complex environmental and regulatory findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including clients, agencies, and project teams.
• Participate in overnight and out-of-state travel for fieldwork, with a willingness to work a non-traditional schedule as needed. Travel and outdoor fieldwork will be a primary job duty during field season.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, or a related field.
• Interest in, and enthusiasm for travel and outdoor fieldwork.
• Enthusiasm for learning and engaging with additional environmental services our team provides.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in environmental consulting, natural resources, or field biology.
• Experience performing wetland delineations following the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual and stream assessments is preferred.
• Experience with or knowledge of Section 404 permitting (Nationwide Permits, pre-construction notifications, and jurisdictional determinations) is preferred.
• Ability to identify native and invasive grassland, wetland, and riparian plant species of the Great Plains and Midwest regions is preferred.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with hydric soils, hydrology indicators, and the Nebraska/Midwest regulatory landscape.
• Experience communicating with USACE and other regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, or similar tools.
• Experience with or knowledge of Section 408 permissions is a plus.
• Experience with stormwater compliance (SWPPP/ESC inspections), threatened and endangered species surveys, or avian surveys.
• Strong technical writing skills and experience preparing regulatory submittals.

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