Wetland Delineator

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking experienced Wetland Delineators to support projects throughout the greater Southwest US region. Candidates should 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 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 resource 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 field data platforms/software such as Field Maps and Survey
  123) 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, procedures, and governmental regulations regarding regulated wetlands and water bodies.
• Work well as part of a field team (including subconsultants).
• Conduct field work in a safe and efficient way using good judgment and 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 five years’ experience routinely performing wetland/water field studies for private or public sector 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 Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 regulatory policy, accepted field assessment protocols, and associated instruments to determine wetland and water jurisdiction.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations including but not limited to the 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.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project site locations within the Southwest US region, including overnight stays and long‑distance hiking (10–12 miles per day) in varied terrains and weather conditions while carrying up to 50 lbs of equipment.
• Comfortable conducting field work on active construction sites in the presence of construction crews.
• Professionalism, punctuality, and the ability to follow instructions from project managers and field leads while maintaining a positive attitude and critical thinking in unplanned situations.
• 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, accurate 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‑collected data.
• Experience managing field teams.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Certification is preferred but not required.

Salary ranges from $68,000 to $84,500 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Competitive Pay & Recognition
  • Market‑based compensation
  • Performance‑driven recognition and development bonuses
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability
  • Company‑paid life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Meaningful Work–Life Balance
  • Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
  • Additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Growth, Learning & Financial Security
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Support and rewards for professional development and certifications