Natural Resources Technician- On Call

SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding our team and looking for a Natural Resources Technician to join our team in Houston, TX. Our natural resources technicians will perform biological field surveys, assist with data collection and data entry, work on wetland delineations and threatened/endangered species activities, and support report writing for a variety of natural resources projects.

The office typically supports various projects in the Gulf Coast subregion. We work to support our clients' needs across multiple service areas including renewable generation, oil & gas, transmission, site development, and ecological restoration. The position requires the ability to work long hours in harsh conditions and be on the road for several days or weeks at a time.

This is an on-demand/on-call, hourly/non-exempt position with standard working hours less than 19 hours per week on average. This position is a fully distributed (=remote) based role. A dedicated SWCA office workspace will not be provided.

Applicants should expect and be able to travel 75% or more, including some overnight travel.

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

• Assists with tasks to collect and/or manage data in the field, lab, or office. Technicians are expected to work efficiently to complete assigned tasks in a manner that ensures the data are accurate, complete, and verifiable. Assigned tasks have simple, narrow objectives that may be accomplished through implementation of standardized or routine actions.
• Communicates frequently and openly with team members and supervisors to ensure that task objectives and methods are clearly understood, task progress is shared, and questions or needs are promptly addressed. This includes initiating and/or responding to communication requests before, during, and after task implementation as part of a real-time, collaborative work effort.
• Follows directions, safety and quality protocols, and other established procedures to complete tasks successfully and with accountability.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Follow established scientific protocols to conduct wildlife, vegetation, and wetland field surveys, complete environmental inspections, wildlife and vegetation baseline studies, support environmental planning efforts, and reclamation monitoring.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, species of interest, and associated landforms.
• Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and landforms.
• Operate SWCA vehicles, including 4-wheel drive trucks and All-terrain vehicles [ATVs], assure they will perform safely, and notify appropriate personnel if vehicles need maintenance.
• Ability to travel 75% or more of the time, including overnight travel, staying in hotels or short-term rental accommodations during field deployments, in some instances with short notice before deployment.
• Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Collaborate with project managers, subject matter experts, and other technical staff to prepare resource inventory and impact reports.
• Assist with county, state, and federal permit application preparation.
• Prepare materials, attend meetings, and report on public outreach activities for a variety of project types.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six (6) months of relevant natural resources experience in Texas or the Gulf Coast subregion.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures.
• Ability to try new, innovative techniques, and to make independent decisions when appropriate to the situation or make adjustments as a member of a team in order to complete tasks in the most efficient and accurate manner.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to learn, have fun, and grow into increasing responsibilities in a positive work environment.
• Ability to travel up to 85% of the time. Projects typically run on a two-week rotation.
• Ability to work in challenging, outdoor work environments and carry up to 40 lb.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, or Natural Resource Management or similar field preferred.
• One (1) year of relevant natural resources experience through an internship or similar program.
• Knowledge of Texas and Louisiana flora and fauna
• Working knowledge of wetland and riparian plant species identification, wetland soils, and wetland hydrology indicators
• Experience in avian surveys or wildlife surveys in Texas and Louisiana.