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.

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

This is a regular, full‑time position with the opportunity for overtime. The role will support both field and desktop‑based tasks, depending on business needs. Remote employment is eligible, but candidates must be located within the Southwestern US region.

• 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 digital tools (topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS‑based platforms/software such as Field Maps, Survey
  123, etc.) and other tools for 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 sub‑consultants).
• Operate safely and efficiently, following GAI and project‑specific health and safety protocols; training will be provided.

• Applicants must be able to 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.
• For Lead Wetland Delineators: at least three of the five years’ experience must be related to conducting field work as a 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, 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 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, including overnight stays.
• Physical ability to hike long distances (up to ~10‑12 miles/day) and conduct fieldwork in various terrains for up to 12 hours/day.
• Comfort with working on active construction sites.
• Ability to follow instructions from project managers and field leads while thinking critically through unplanned situations.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to operate a 4‑wheel drive vehicle in off‑road conditions; UTV experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with GPS units and electronic data forms (cell or tablet) to support defensible and accurate technical reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Experience and interest in conducting focused…