Lead Wetland Delineator

Lead Wetland Delineator – Position Overview

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking experienced Lead Wetland Delineators to support projects throughout the greater Southwest US region. Candidates should be able to conduct independent or team field investigations related to wetland and watercourse delineation, stream assessments, general biological assessment, and vegetation mapping in Southwestern US terrestrial habitats, and manage and analyze field data for timely, budget‑constrained environmental reports.

The field work supports a wide range of project types, including siting/routing/due diligence studies, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, natural resources/water impact avoidance and permitting, and construction support.

This is a regular, full‑time, full‑salary position with the opportunity for overtime. The role includes field and desktop tasks and is eligible for remote employment, although candidates must be located within the Southwestern US region.

• Conduct wetland/water jurisdictional delineation surveys, vegetation mapping, and general biological resources site assessments independently or as part of a team.
• 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.
• Use desktop resources and digital tools (topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS‑based field platforms such as Field Maps, Survey
  123, etc.) to prepare and execute field studies.
• Assist in preparing technical reports based on data collected in the field.
• 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 governmental regulations regarding regulated wetlands and water bodies.
• Work effectively 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.

• Applicants must provide progressive professional experience conducting jurisdictional delineations of state and federal waters/wetlands in the Southwest.
• Minimum 5 years of routine wetland/water field studies for private or public sector projects in the environmental consulting industry.
• For Lead Wetland Delineators: at least 3 of the 5 years must be as field crew lead for 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 current Clean Water Act Section 404 and Section 401 regulatory policy, as well as accepted field assessment protocols and field instruments.
• Familiarity with relevant federal, state, and local regulations including, but not limited to, Endangered Species Acts, NEPA, and CWA 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.
• Ability to hike long distances (up to ~10–12 miles/day) and work in various terrains and weather conditions, carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment and supplies.
• Comfortable conducting field work on active construction sites in the presence of construction crews.
• Strong punctuality, professionalism, and preparation to execute work independently or as part of a team.
• 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 technical reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

• 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…