Lead Level Wetland Scientist

About the Opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an employee-owned company of environmental professionals who specialize in natural and cultural resource management, environmental planning, and regulatory compliance. We are expanding our aquatic resources team in Southern California, and we are looking for an experienced natural resources delineation specialist who is enthusiastic, independent, and motivated.

• Lead Wetland Scientist – typically with at least eight (8) years of relevant industry experience and expertise.
• Senior Wetland Scientist – typically with at least ten (10) years of relevant industry experience and expertise.

• Lead aquatic resources delineations, natural resources surveys, botanical surveys, and habitat assessments in accordance with appropriate regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare aquatic resource reports and prepare environmental permit applications, such as pre‑construction notifications and individual permit applications to agency standards.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of aquatic resource regulations.
• Use desktop resources to preliminarily assess aquatic resources in a project area.
• Prepare field equipment, plan field logistics, and provide oversight of survey implementation and data management.
• Operate SWCA vehicles safely (ability to drive a 4‑wheel drive vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads) and follow all required safety protocols.
• Drive compliance with safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.
• Work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Take initiative, resolve problems, and communicate with team members and clients to ensure tasks are completed effectively.
• Experience conducting other types of biological surveys and reports.

• B.S. in biology, ecology, environmental science, environmental management, or a closely related scientific field.
• Knowledge of the fauna and flora of the Arid West and California.
• A minimum experience of six years conducting aquatic resources delineations using U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manuals.
• A minimum of two years’ experience leading aquatic resources delineations in the Arid West.
• A minimum of two years preparing aquatic resources reports/permits associated with Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code.
• Completed the Society of Wetland Scientists approved 40‑hour wetland delineation course or comparable course.

• Lead authorship of aquatic resources delineation reports.
• Professional Wetland Scientist certification.
• Project management experience.
• Proficiency in plant identification.

• Must be able to use GPS units and computer software with minimal assistance or training.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability and willingness to travel, sometimes upon short notice, for extended periods and work in varying weather conditions.

Employees in this position are eligible for consideration for SWCA’s annual bonus program, which provides awards based on individual and organizational performance. To review additional benefits, :

An employee in this Pasadena, CA‑based position can expect a salary of $91,260 – $ per year for a Lead Wetland Scientist and $ – $ for a Senior Wetland Scientist. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular‑status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses.

Candidates are encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive benefits package, forward‑thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award‑winning career development, and more.

EOE – women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. SWCA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

If you have disability accommodation requests, please email  or call 480‑581‑5378. All other inquiries will not receive a response.