Natural Resources Technician

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking temporary Natural Resources Technicians to be based out of our Baton Rouge, LA office. The selected candidate will support projects throughout the Gulf Coast. This position requires an educational and experienced background in biology, natural resource management, botany, water resources, or a related field. It will involve a mix of field and office work, depending on project type and season.

This position requires fieldwork in demanding climate, weather, and terrain conditions. Moderate travel, including overnight stays, may be required. Field work will primarily be in the South but may include travel to other states. Project reporting and other office tasks will require working on a computer for extended periods. We offer a hybrid approach to support a flexible schedule and working from home.

This is a temporary, non‑exempt, hourly position over the next 6 months.

• Conduct natural resources field studies including wetland delineations, wetland and water functional assessments, vegetation and habitat surveys, threatened/endangered species assessments, and avian/wildlife surveys.
• Conduct detailed fieldwork, organize, and save field data in digital formats.
• Write technical reports and permit applications for approvals under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and other resource planning/permitting.
• Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least 6 months of natural resources experience in the public or private sector, including experience conducting natural resources field work focused on natural resources assessments; preferred experience in wetland delineations.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Willingness to be in the field for multiple weeks at a time.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Water Resources, Botany, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
• Knowledge of wetland and other aquatic botanical species taxonomy within Texas and ability to identify species in the field.
• Experience with aquatic resource delineations and their functions and values.
• Experience with reporting and fieldwork for wetland delineations, aquatic resource functional assessments, environmental compliance, wildlife surveys, and/or avian surveys strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting desktop research for preliminary wetlands evaluations and compiling field data into aquatic resource inventory reports strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with GPS devices and digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS preferred.

• Hourly rate of $19.24 - $25.48 per hour (actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law).
• Hybrid work approach with flexible schedule and work‑from‑home options.
• Wellness paid time off, employee assistance program, and wellness program activities.
• Employee stock ownership plan (retirement).

Baton Rouge, LA office (travel to Gulf Coast projects).

EOE – women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply.