NWCA Field Technicians

Overview

ERG is a research and consulting firm that supports federal, state, and commercial clients with multidisciplinary teams in engineering, science, economics, public health, information technology, and communications. We seek a highly motivated individual capable of prioritizing, performing, and communicating effectively in a fast-paced environment.

ERG is seeking field technicians to support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2026 National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA)—a nationwide survey to assess the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of wetland resources. More information on NWCA: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

We are hiring two seasonal field technicians based out of Salt Lake City, Utah, to conduct NWCA field sampling in Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. These positions are ideal for early-career professionals with experience or strong interest in wetland ecology, botany, soil science, hydrology, or natural resource management.

Locations:
Salt Lake City, UT; travel to field sites as needed. All trips begin and end in SLC.

• Field-based position on a 7 days on / 7 days off schedule for the season.
• Typical field days are 10–12 hours, depending on weather, site access, and travel time.
• Work is conducted in remote locations with limited services and intermittent cell coverage.
• Lodging and federal per diem are provided in hotels during field sampling.
• Crew structure: four staff organized into two teams — Vegetation Team (Botanist + Wetland Technician) and Assessment Area / Buffer Team (Soil Specialist + Wetland Technician).

Note:

You do not need to live in Salt Lake City, but all trips begin and end in SLC.

Positions Available

• 1 Wetland Technician

Dates

• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  April 1, 2026 (tentative)
• End Date:
  Mid-July, with approximately 1 week of travel in August and September
• Potential extension into late September based on project need and performance.

Training

• All crew members must attend an EPA-led NWCA training course on project protocols prior to field sampling. ERG will cover travel and attendance.
• ERG will provide additional hands-on training in field safety, plant identification, and data QA/QC throughout the season.

Job responsibilities include:

• Collect data on wetland vegetation, wetland soil, water quality, and the condition of buffers
• Collect soil and water quality samples and prepare them for shipping to national labs
• Review all collected data for completeness and accuracy before submission
• Follow EPA NWCA protocols and standard operating procedures with attention to detail
• Use ruggedized tablets for data collection and daily QA/QC tasks
• Navigate to remote field sites using GPS, maps, and 4WD vehicles
• Collect, prepare, organize and label samples; ensure proper chain-of-custody procedures
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with crew members and ERG staff
• Maintain equipment and follow safety procedures in challenging field environments

Soil Specialist (example role) - $21-24/hr DOE

• B.S. in soil science, hydrology, ecology, environmental science, or related field
• At least two seasons of field data collection experience
• Knowledge of wetland ecology and hydric soil indicators

Preferred:

• Experience digging soil pits and describing soil horizons
• Ability to hand-texture soils and identify hydric soil features
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Online
• Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or devices

Wetland Technician - $21/hour

• Coursework in ecology, botany, environmental science, natural resources, or related field
• At least one season of field data collection experience

Preferred:

• B.S. in ecology, botany, environmental science, or natural resources
• Experience with vegetation surveys or ecological monitoring
• Familiarity with plant families, field guides, and wetland species
• Experience describing soil morphology and hydric indicators

All Positions – Required Skills

• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions for extended periods
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day on rugged terrain; bend or crouch for extended periods; lift up to 40 lbs
• Work in…