Natural Resources Technician

About the opportunity

SWCA seeks a temporary Natural Resources Technician for the Houston, TX office. Our natural resources technicians will perform biological field surveys, assist with data collection and data entry, work on wetland delineations and threatened/endangered species activities, and support report writing for a variety of natural resources projects. The office typically supports various projects in the Southern region. We work to support our clients’ needs across multiple service areas including renewable generation, oil & gas, transmission, site development, and ecological restoration.

The position requires the ability to work long hours in harsh conditions and be on the road for several days or weeks at a time.

This position is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt position offering a mixture of office and field assignments, with 85% being field work. Pay will be based on individual qualifications and experience.

• Assist crew leaders with a variety of natural resources field studies including wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species activities, stream assessments, vegetation and rare plant surveys, avian and wildlife surveys, aquatics surveys, wildlife habitat assessments, and stormwater compliance inspections.
• Record data on GPS units and field site forms or other forms
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms
• Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and landforms
• Operate SWCA vehicles. Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads
• Assist project managers in data organization, interpretation, and report preparation as needed
• Adhere to SWCA’s safety procedures and standards of scientific and professional ethics

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Six (6) months of relevant natural resources experience
• Flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures.
• Ability to try new, innovative techniques, and to make independent decisions when appropriate to the situation or make adjustments as a member of a team in order to complete tasks in the most efficient and accurate manner.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to learn, have fun, and grow into increasing responsibilities in a positive work environment.
• Ability to travel up to 85% of the time. Projects typically run on a two-week rotation.
• Ability to work in challenging, outdoor work environments and carry up to 40 lbs

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related life sciences field
• Knowledge of Texas and Louisianaflora and fauna
• Working knowledge of wetland and riparian plant species identification, wetland soils, and wetland hydrology indicators
• Experience in avian surveys or wildlife surveys in Texas and Louisiana.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services.
Our Vision (the North Star) is to makeSWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; weare #Always Learning
, we #Never Settle,and we #Give Back.

We are 100% employee-owned
, and we build our success together. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms
. We offer a supportive, team-oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits, including an 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).

If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at  or call  We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for…