Lead Wetland Delineator

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking experienced Lead 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 (e.g., topographic maps, aerial photographs, industry‑related GPS‑based field data platforms such as Field Maps and Survey
  123) 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 safely and efficiently, following GAI and Project‑specific health and safety protocols. Training will be provided for all Project‑specific safety topics.

• 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.
• For Lead Wetland Delineators: at least three of the five years’ experience must be related to conducting field work as field crew lead.
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401, approved field assessment protocols, and associated field instruments for determining 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.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites within the Southwest US region, including overnight stays, and to hike long distances (up to 10–12 miles/day) and conduct fieldwork up to 12 hours/day in varied weather conditions while carrying equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Up to 75% travel.
• Comfortable with active construction site field work alongside 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) to collect, organize, and manage data for defensible technical reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• 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 field data.
• Experience managing field teams.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Certification (preferred but not required).

The salary ranges for these positions are $68,000 to $84,500 per year, commensurate with the candidate's…