Wetland Delineator

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking experienced Wetland Delineators to support projects throughout the greater Southwest US region. Ideal candidates will be excited to conduct field work and have a proven track record of independently or as part of a team conducting field investigations related to wetland and watercourse delineation, stream assessments, general biological assessment, and vegetation mapping in a variety of Southwestern US terrestrial habitats, as well as experience with reviewing, managing, and analyzing field data and contributing to environmental reports on time and within budget.

• Work independently or as part of a team to conduct wetland/water jurisdictional delineation surveys, vegetation mapping and general biological resources site assessments.
• Participate in pre‑field planning and post‑field data analysis, processing, and management in support of technical report preparation, under the direction of the project's Environmental Task Manager.
• Utilize desktop resources and other digital tools (topographic maps, aerial photographs, etc.) and industry related GPS‑based field data platforms/software (Field Maps, Survey
  123, etc.) for the preparation and execution of field studies.
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports associated with the data collected in the field.
• Collect and maintain accurate field reports and data logs using digital forms and collaborative databases.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide additional support to the Environmental Team as needed.
• Read, analyze, and interpret industry protocols, technical reports and procedures, and governmental regulations regarding regulated wetlands and water bodies.
• Work well as part of a field team (including subconsultants).
• Conduct field work in a safe and efficient way by utilizing good judgment and following GAI and project‑specific health and safety protocols. Training will be provided for all project‑specific safety topics.
• Maintain punctuality, professionalism, and the ability to think critically through unplanned situations while maintaining a positive attitude.

• Provide progressive professional experience conducting jurisdictional delineations of state and federal waters/wetlands in the Southwest.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience routinely performing wetland/water field studies for private or public sector projects in the environmental consulting industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act Section 404 and Section 401 regulatory policy, current field assessment protocols and instruments to determine jurisdiction of wetlands and waters.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations including Endangered Species Acts, NEPA, and Clean Water Act permits.
• Strong knowledge of Southwest US flora and fauna, especially state and federally listed special‑status plant and animal species.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Southwest US region, including overnight stays.
• Willingness to hike long distances (up to 12 miles/day) and conduct fieldwork in a variety of terrains for up to 12 hours/day in various weather conditions, carrying equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable conducting field work on active construction sites in the presence of construction crews.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a 4‑wheel drive vehicle in off‑road conditions; UTV operation experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with GPS units and electronic data forms (cell or tablet) in the field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Experience and interest in conducting focused surveys and habitat suitability assessments for common and special‑status plant and wildlife species in the Southwestern US.
• Experience preparing and reviewing environmental reports using data collected in the field.
• Experience managing field teams.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Certification preferred but not required.

• Salary ranges $68,000 to $84,500 per year, commensurate with qualifications and…