Wetland Scientist

Location: Greater Memphis, TN  Area
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary:  Competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience

Job Description:

Brophy-Heineke & Associates, Inc., the leading environmental consulting firm in the Greater Memphis area, is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Wetland Scientist (PWS) to join our team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on diverse and impactful environmental projects, specializing in wetlands, streams, and aquatic resource assessments. The ideal candidate will conduct site investigations, wetland delineations, stream determinations, and habitat assessments, while also providing expert guidance on regulatory compliance and permitting. If you are passionate about environmental conservation and eager to contribute to meaningful projects that shape communities and protect natural resources, we encourage you to apply and become part of our trusted team of experts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Site Investigations – Conduct comprehensive site investigations to determine the regulatory status of wetlands and streams under state and federal laws, including Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and relevant state regulations.
• Wetland Delineations – Perform wetland delineations to accurately identify wetland boundaries and classifications in accordance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state regulatory guidance.
• Hydrologic Determinations – Conduct Hydrologic Professional determinations on watercourses in Tennessee to assess jurisdictional status.
• Permit Applications – Prepare and submit permit applications, including Section 404 permits and Aquatic Resource Alteration Permits (ARAP), developing Alternative Analyses and Mitigation Proposals as required by regulatory agencies.
• Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting – Monitor mitigation sites to assess the success of wetland and stream restoration efforts, preparing detailed compliance reports for state and federal agencies.
• Habitat Assessments – Conduct habitat assessments to evaluate the ecological function and condition of wetlands and aquatic environments.
• Threatened & Endangered Species Assessments – Perform surveys and impact assessments for federally and state-listed species, coordinating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other regulatory agencies.
• Erosion & Sediment Control – Conduct construction site inspections for erosion and sediment control compliance, preparing Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Client Support & Regulatory Guidance – Provide ongoing support to clients throughout the permitting process, ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations and addressing any regulatory challenges.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in wetland science, biology, or environmental consulting.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal wetland regulations, including the Clean Water Act (Sections 404 & 401), state-specific environmental laws, and permitting processes.
• Experience with wetland delineation, stream assessments, and ecological monitoring.
• Familiarity with GIS and GPS mapping technology.
• Ability to prepare permit applications, including Section 404 and ARAPs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and detailed reports for regulatory agencies and clients.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of erosion and sediment control practices and SWPPP preparation is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or related field.
• Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional certification
• Professional Wetland Scientist Certification
• Tennessee EPSC Level 1 Certification
• Familiarity with the TN SQT and TRAM procedures
• Experience working with regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state environmental agencies, and local municipalities.
• Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS and Trimble Pathfinder) for mapping and data analysis.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to conduct fieldwork, including walking through wetlands, streams, and other natural environments in various weather conditions.
• Occasional travel to job sites, including remote locations.

Benefits:

• Health/Dental insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

About Us:

Brophy-Heineke & Associates, Inc. has been a trusted leader in environmental consulting since 1990, specializing in wetland and water-related issues across the Memphis area and beyond. With over three decades of expertise, we have successfully secured wetland-related permits for more than 1,000 clients and conducted over 500 formal wetland delineations, both within and outside the geographic boundary of the Memphis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

As a leading firm in certified Qualified Hydrologic Professional (QHP) determinations, we play a crucial role in assessing watercourses throughout Tennessee. Our team has secured aquatic resource permits for projects spanning ten states, including Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Illinois, Missouri, Florida, and Texas.

Our diverse portfolio includes permitting for a wide range of infrastructure and development projects, such as gas and power lines, sewer systems, cell towers, highways, residential communities, commercial hubs, warehouses, airports, landfills, casinos, wastewater treatment facilities, and railroads.

If you are passionate about wetland science, environmental conservation, and making a real impact, we invite you to join our team and contribute to meaningful projects that shape communities and protect natural resources.