Associate Project Ecologist - Wetland Delineator

SWCA Environmental Consultants

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant or Associate Project Ecologist to support their Natural Resources team in the Southeast, with a preference for candidates based in Mississippi or Georgia, and openness to Alabama and Tennessee. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in wetland delineations, permitting, and aquatic resource assessments across the southeastern United States. This full-time position involves a mix of fieldwork, regulatory coordination, and technical reporting, with a focus on wetland delineations and Clean Water Act permitting. It offers a flexible work arrangement, including hybrid options, and may require occasional travel for fieldwork, including overnight stays. The position is available at two levels: Assistant Project Ecologist, typically requiring a minimum of three years of relevant industry experience, and Associate Project Ecologist, typically requiring a minimum of five years of relevant industry experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Soil Science, or related field.
3+ years of experience in wetland delineations and environmental consulting.
Experience applying USACE delineation methodology and regional supplements.
Familiarity with Clean Water Act permitting processes.
Proficiency with GIS tools (ArcGIS, ArcPro).
Ability to work in field conditions (wetlands, streams, remote areas).
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of delineation and permitting experience.
Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or ability to obtain.
Qualified Hydrologic Professional (QHP) certification.
Experience leading Section 404/401 permitting efforts.
Strong knowledge of southeastern hydrology, soils, and vegetation.
Experience coordinating directly with USACE districts in MS, GA, AL, or TN.
Strong technical writing and report preparation skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct wetland delineations using the USACE Regional Supplements.
Perform stream assessments, OHWM determinations, and aquatic resource evaluations.
Support and/or lead permitting efforts, including Section 404/401 processes.
Conduct habitat assessments and ecological monitoring across diverse ecosystems.
Coordinate with regulatory agencies such as USACE, EPA, and state agencies.
Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data using GIS tools.
Prepare delineation reports, permit applications, and technical documentation.
Independently supervise a small crew while conducting environmental fieldwork (depending on project).
Independently assign and direct the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery.
Ensure that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely.
Serve as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers.
Receive and resolve complaints from employees in the field.
Monitor team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.