Water Resources 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 out of our Pasadena office, and we are looking for a professional who is enthusiastic, motivated, and enjoys aquatic resource technical work.

We are seeking a Staff Water Resources Scientist to conduct aquatic resource field delineation surveys and prepare technical reports and permit applications for projects across Southern California. Tasks include assessing conditions, collecting data, mapping resources using a tablet, drafting data results, discussing preliminary results with subject matter experts, assessing the jurisdictional status of observed resources through research and coordination, and communicating findings in an aquatic resource delineation report that complies with multiple resource agencies’ standards.

A key element of the job is independently supervising environmental survey crews in the field.

While a remote work schedule is allowed, you should be in or near the Greater Los Angeles region to accommodate field work and in-person training opportunities.

This is a regular part-time position (26 – 34 hrs/wk). The applicant should have basic training in evaluating hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, hydrologic indicators, ordinary high water mark indicators in the Arid West, and handling problematic wetland situations. The position will provide development opportunities for applying or gaining experience preparing Regional Water Quality Control Board Section 401, United States Army Corps of Engineers Section 404, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife 1600 permit applications, submitting applications, and coordinating project information requests.

Final date to receive applications: our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. We may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

Location:

Pasadena, CA area; this is a regular, full-time position, and the applicant should be located in, or be willing to relocate to, the Greater Los Angeles region of Southern California (e.g., Los Angeles County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, or Riverside County).

• Conduct natural resources surveys, including aquatic resources delineations and botanical species identification in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare aquatic resources reports and environmental permit applications, such as pre-construction notifications and individual permit applications to agency standards.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, tablets and other tools to determine exact locations of project areas.
• Supervise a small field crew while conducting environmental fieldwork, including:
• independently assigning and directing activities, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;
• ensuring employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and accountability for performance, productivity, and safety;
• serving as a communication conduit between employees and senior managers, including reporting issues to relevant senior managers;
• receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
• monitoring team productivity and providing timely performance feedback, including deciding when disciplinary action is necessary and delivering discipline.
• 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.
• Work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Take initiative, resolve problems, and communicate with team members to ensure…