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 and restoration team in Southern California, and we are looking for an experienced Sr. Wetland Scientist who is enthusiastic, independent, and motivated. This is a half time position (20-25 hours a week).

We are seeking a Senior Regulatory/Mitigation Scientist/Project Manager (HR Title: Sr. Wetland Scientist) to facilitate the development of technical reports and permit applications throughout Southern California and the greater west with a focus on mitigation programs and aquatic resource impacts. This position involves preparing a variety of natural resource studies, including ecological restoration and mitigation technical program documents, aquatic resources delineation reports, and permit applications. Work includes key client management, mitigation and permitting program development as well as leading field survey efforts. Field work would include assessing aquatic resource conditions, collecting data, mapping resources, drafting data results, discussing preliminary results, assessing the status of observed resources through research and coordination, and communicating findings in reports that complies with multiple laws and resource agency standards. This individual will also serve as a subject matter expert, providing third party reviews, junior staff education, and client program guidance within their specialty.

The applicant should be able to work independently for at least 20-25 hours per week, on a sometimes fluid schedule when project timelines dictate. The successful candidate will have a working knowledge of jurisdictional delineation regulations, policies, procedures, and guidance for resources regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The applicant should have experience preparing 401, 404, and 1600 permit applications, submitting applications, and coordinating project information requests with agencies. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge on the process of developing and implementing mitigation and permitting programs for local and regional clients such as programmatic permits, mitigation programs, and other creative regulatory solutions. This is a regular, half-time position that can increase to full-time in the future if the candidate desires. The applicant should be located in, or be willing to relocate to, San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, or Riverside County, in Southern California.

• Train, mentor and supervise junior staff members.
• Lead field biologists and conduct natural resources surveys, including aquatic resources delineations, botanical surveys, and habitat assessments in accordance with appropriate regulatory guidelines.
• Oversee the preparation of natural 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.
• 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.
• Act as primary contact for select key clients, supporting aquatic resource and mitigation program development and implementation.
• Support key proposal efforts and partner with leadership in developing SWCAs ongoing client portfolio.
• Take initiative, resolve problems, and communicate with team members to ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.

• 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 and ability to correctly utilize keys and resources to determine species level.
• Experience working directly with the regulatory representatives to evaluate project impacts and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• A minimum of 10 years' experience leading field crews to conduct aquatic resources delineations using U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manuals.
• A minimum of 10 years' experience preparing natural resources reports/permits associated with Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code.

Preferred Qualification:

• Fully trained CRAM practitioner experience using the method throughout the permitting and mitigation life cycle.
• M.S. in biology, ecology, environmental science, environmental management, or a closely related scientific field.

Additional Information:

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

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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 associated with this position, click here:

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Pasadena, CA-based position at full time can expect a salary of $100,620-$131.040/yr . 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 also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive 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.

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