Cultural Resources Technician

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Wetland Scientist to join our dynamic team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In this pivotal role, you’ll provide invaluable support to projects spanning the Pittsburgh area and across the Northeast US. Engaging in a mix of field and office work, you’ll conduct a variety of natural resource field studies, from wetland delineations to vegetation surveys and wildlife assessments. You will play a crucial role in project success, contributing your expertise to environmental conservation efforts. If you thrive in dynamic environments and are passionate about making a positive impact, we invite you to apply and become a part of our dedicated team.

Please note that this position involves demanding fieldwork, with anticipated moderate travel, including overnight stays. While fieldwork will primarily be in the Northeast US, occasional travel to other ecoregions may be required.

We will consider both Assistant Project and Associate Project-level candidates for this role. That includes:

• Assistant Project Wetland Scientist; typically, with minimum three (3) years of relevant experience and expertise
• Associate Project Wetland Scientist; typically, with minimum five (5) years of relevant experience and expertise.
• Project Wetland Scientist; typically, with minimum seven (7) years of relevant experience and expertise.

This is a permanent full-time benefited position offering the flexibility of hybrid work, combining field, in-office, and remote work arrangements.

What you will accomplish

• Conduct various natural resource field studies, such as wetland delineations, threatened/endangered species assessments, and avian/wildlife surveys.
• Organize and manage field data in digital formats.
• Prepare technical reports and permit applications for regulatory approvals under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other resource planning/permitting, and/or natural resource disciplines.
• Collaborate with team members in the development of project deliverables.
• Utilize topographic maps, GPS devices, and other tools during fieldwork activities.
• Safely operate vehicles, including 4-wheel drive vehicles, for fieldwork and site visits.
• Coordinate field crew activities, including mobilization and data collection efforts.
• Conduct research, data synthesis, and basic analysis to support project objectives.
• Communicate effectively with clients and agency representatives throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and oversee their implementation in the field.

Experience and qualifications for success

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Water Resources, Botany, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Science, Natural Resource Management, related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in natural resources management, including wetland delineations and aquatic assessments.
• Minimum of one (1) of experience conducting wetland delineations and aquatic resources assessments. Candidates that are unable to demonstrate delineation experience will not be considered for this position.
• Experience conducting desktop research for preliminary wetlands evaluations and compiling field data into aquatic resource inventory reports.
• Proficiency in GPS devices, digital data collection, and mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate 4WD vehicles.
• Capability to conduct fieldwork in various conditions and terrains, and lift up to 40 pounds of equipment.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Chapter 105 permitting processes.
• Familiarity with Clean Water Act regulations and Nationwide Permitting system.
• Strong client service orientation and exceptional communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) or more years of experience leading wetland delineation and environmental fieldwork.
• Extensive knowledge of botanical species taxonomy and field identification skills.
• Experience mentoring survey teams in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virgina and New York and leading site visits with agency personnel.
• Familiarity with Ohio rapid assessment method for wetland assessments.
• Willingness to learn new survey techniques and protocols.

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.

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

An employee in this Pittsburgh, PA – based position can expect a rate of $26.25 – $34.25/hour at the Assistant Project Wetland Scientist level, $30.00 – $38.00/hour at the Associate Project Wetland Scientist level, and $68,640.00 – $88,400.00/year at the Project Wetland Scientist level. 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 Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, 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.

EOE – women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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 accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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