Contract Wetland Biologist

The Tennessee Valley Authority Biological Compliance group is in need of a qualified individual to serve as a Contract Wetland Biologist. This position will assist TVA staff with environmental reviews.  Jobs duties include wetland delineation, mapping, condition assessment, impact analysis, and technical writing for TVA projects/actions. Occasional to regular overnight travel within the Tennessee Valley Authority Power Service Area (7-States) would be required.  Related responsibilities include organized and efficient completion of projects with high attention to detail, communication and collaboration with fellow wetland biologist, other subject matter experts, project mangers, and collaborating agencies. Field work will often be performed in groups (2-4 specialists), but occasionally solo travel will be required. As a contractor, hourly pay and some healthcare packages are available through the contract company, Johnson Service Group. Some paid leave is available for contractors after 12 months. Hours are flexible while maintaining scheduled project completion deadlines and necessary field travel. There is no relocation allowance provided for this position.

Work Week: Monday – Friday, approximately 40 hours with the potential for overtime

Location: Knoxville, TN or Chattanooga, TN with the ability to work from the respective downtown office complex

Work Setting:  The Biological Compliance group is primarily working from home (except field work), but applicant would be required to work in-office if TVA’s work from home policy changes

Compensation: Competitive (commensurate with education and experience)

Term: Indefinite based on a 6-12 month performance based contract review and TVA workload need

Travel: 2-3 days a week, 2-3 weeks per month. TVA fleet vehicles and gas cards provided for field work use. Lodging and per diem reimbursed by TVA when appropriate

General Skills:

• Proficient with GIS (ArcGIS Pro), data entry/manipulation
• GPS data collection
• Ability to hike up 6 miles while carrying field equipment
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle, particularly in off-road conditions
• Record keeping, detailed note taking, and record management
• Technical writing with a scientific focus

Minimum Education/Experience

• Not an entry-level position; must have wetland experience
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field AND at least 1 year of experience in wetland delineation and compliance OR Master’s degree in relevant scientific or engineering field
• Continued education and/or specialized wetlands training is preferred
• Firm plant identification skills for common wetland vegetation is required
• Knowledge of National Wetland Indicator statuses, hydric soil characteristics, and wetland hydrology indicators
• Familiarity with Clean Water Act compliance and National Environmental Policy Act process
• Experience with stream delineation and TDEC’s Hydrologic Determination Training program is a plus, but not required

*Important Note*: This position REQUIRES fieldwork, entailing all the associated joys of challenging field conditions including heat, cold, weather, insects, wildlife, poison ivy, thorns, and physical exertion – offset by the camaraderie of working with a great group of people.