Aquatic Ecologist​/Freshwater Mussel Specialist

Aquatic Ecologist | Freshwater Mussel Specialist

Landhawk Consulting LLC is seeking motivated and experienced mid-level Aquatic Ecologists / Freshwater Mussel Specialists to support ongoing aquatic resource investigations, threatened and endangered species surveys, and environmental compliance projects throughout South Texas, with a primary focus on the Laredo region and adjacent watersheds.

The successful candidate will support freshwater mussel surveys, relocation efforts, habitat assessments, and environmental compliance monitoring associated with riverine and riparian systems in South Texas. Current and anticipated projects primarily involve environmental compliance support and biological monitoring associated with linear infrastructure projects, including activities occurring adjacent to and over water within active river corridors and riparian environments.

This position is based in Laredo, Texas, with field assignments occurring throughout South Texas and nearby river systems. Landhawk Consulting may hire for several long-term positions in support of ongoing and anticipated aquatic resource projects within the region. Preference will be given to candidates residing within or willing to relocate to the Laredo area and surrounding South Texas communities. Long-term housing accommodations or rotational field schedules may be considered for qualified candidates depending on project needs, staffing demands, and project duration.

Field schedules will generally aim to maintain routine Monday through Friday operations; however, assignments may include rotational schedules aligned with active construction activities, including standard 10 days on and 4 days off rotations, extended field deployments, weekend surveys, and emergency response activities as needed.

Full Time

• Provide on-site monitoring support during active construction activities occurring adjacent to or within aquatic and riparian environments
• Identify freshwater mussel species encountered within project areas and determine whether observed species are threatened, endangered, proposed, or otherwise sensitive
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate relocation areas outside active construction zones based on environmental conditions, including substrate composition, water velocity, depth, stability, and habitat suitability
• Communicate species observations, proposed relocation areas and relocation recommendations with Landhawk project managers and project stakeholders prior to relocation activities whenever feasible and safe to do so
• Support implementation of proper freshwater mussel handling, relocation, and documentation procedures consistent with applicable environmental requirements and species protection measures
• Maintain situational awareness and adhere to all applicable safety procedures, PPE requirements and river access protocols during monitoring and relocation-related activities
• Prepare technical documentation summarizing species observations, relocation recommendations, environmental conditions, and compliance-related monitoring activities
• Independently evaluate field conditions and make practical recommendations regarding freshwater mussel protection, relocation suitability, and environmental compliance considerations
• Support environmental compliance monitoring associated with CBP and other linear infrastructure projects involving active construction near aquatic and riparian environments

• Minimum of five years of relevant professional aquatic ecology or freshwater mussel experience
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, aquatic ecology, environmental science, fisheries, wildlife management, or a closely related field preferred
• Strong freshwater mussel identification skills
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision in remote field settings
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent technical writing and documentation abilities
• Ability to work long field days in high-temperature South Texas conditions
• Comfortable working within rivers, riparian corridors, and uneven terrain
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and clean driving record
• Ability to…