Natural Resource Specialist

Company: JMB Ecological Offsets – A leading provider of wetland mitigation banking services across the Gulf Coast region.

Reporting and Supervision: This position will report directly to the JMB Environmental Operations Manager with technical oversight by the Regulatory Manager, who are located in Lafayette, La.

We are seeking an experienced Natural Resource Specialist to join our team and lead scientific and technical efforts for wetland mitigation banks in Florida and Louisiana. This position plays a key role in the establishment, monitoring, adaptive management, and long‑term stewardship of mitigation banks under federal (US Army Corps of Engineers) and state regulatory programs (Florida DEP/Water Management Districts; Louisiana Office of Compliance and Permitting / Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy).

You will apply expertise in wetland ecology, hydrology, and restoration to ensure successful credit generation, regulatory compliance, and high‑quality ecosystem restoration in these high‑priority Gulf Coast regions.

• Collect and analyze ecological data and recommend management actions to achieve success criteria and credit release schedules.
• Assist with wetland delineations, functional assessments (e.g., using UMAM in Florida, Louisiana Wetlands Rapid Assessment Method (LRAM) models in Louisiana), and jurisdictional determinations for proposed and existing mitigation bank sites.
• Assist with the implementation of wetland restoration, creation, enhancement, and preservation utilizing Mitigation Bank Instruments (MBIs), comprehensive banking plans, and adaptive management strategies.
• Perform field investigations, including vegetation surveys, soil/hydrology sampling, GPS mapping, and hydrologic monitoring to evaluate site conditions and track performance.
• Collaborate with team to prepare technical reports, credit release requests, monitoring reports, and regulatory permit applications/submittals for USACE (New Orleans and Jacksonville Districts), Florida DEP/WMDs, and state agencies.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies, clients, bankers, and stakeholders to navigate permitting processes and resolve compliance issues.
• Travel for fieldwork, client/contractor meetings, and agency coordination (up to 60‑80%), some may be day trips while others will require overnight stays.
• Safely operate trucks, ATVs, UTVs, and other field equipment during field activities, following all company and regulatory safety protocols.

• Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Wetland Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources Management, Hydrology, or a closely related field.
• Must be available to travel for extended periods, including multi‑week assignments.
• Demonstrated experience working on mitigation banks or similar compensatory mitigation projects in Florida and/or Louisiana (highly preferred).
• Proficiency in wetland delineation methodologies, functional assessment tools (UMAM, WVA, etc.), and ecological monitoring protocols.
• Proficiency in identifying wetland plant species along the Gulf Coast.
• Knowledge of Gulf Coast wetland ecosystems (e.g., freshwater marshes, cypress swamps, coastal wetlands, bottom land hardwoods) and regional hydrology/hydric soils.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills for preparing regulatory documents, reports, and presentations.
• Knowledge of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
• Able to communicate clearly and professionally while collaborating with contractors and stakeholders throughout all project phases.
• Ability to work independently in challenging field conditions (wet, hot, remote environments) and manage multiple projects.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively within Florida and Louisiana.

• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification or eligibility to obtain.
• 40‑hour Wetland Delineation Course completion (or equivalent).
• Experience with USACE Mitigation Banking Instruments (MBI), Florida UMAM assessments, or Louisiana coastal habitat mitigation programs.
• Familiarity with federal Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting and state wetland regulations in FL/LA.
• GIS skills (ArcGIS Pro/Arc Map) for mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization.
• Experience with GPS field data collection.

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, disability and paid time off, optional dental and vision, and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on wetland conservation and restoration in critical Gulf Coast ecosystems.
• Supportive team environment with mentorship and growth potential in the mitigation banking field.

Please submit your resume, cover letter highlighting your relevant mitigation banking experience, and any relevant certifications or work samples to  with the subject line: "Natural Resource Scientist – [Your Name]".