What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Wetland Scientist - Energy Market position at Olsson Associates?
Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.
We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
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.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You bring to the team:
- 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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Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
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