Associate Wetland Scientist - Energy Market

Olsson • Lincoln, NE

8h

About The Position

Olsson's Energy Environmental team supports the growth of the Energy Market and helps clients expand energy infrastructure. The Associate Wetland Scientist supports renewable energy, transmission, and other infrastructure projects, with a focus on wetlands and water permitting, field surveys, technical report preparation, and data processing. The role offers opportunities to build skills in wetland delineation, vegetation identification, Section 404 permitting, Section 408 permissions, and regulatory coordination, with mentorship from experienced scientists and project managers.

Travel and outdoor fieldwork are primary duties during field season. The position includes overnight and out-of-state travel and may require a non-traditional work schedule. The employee will work with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including clients, agencies, and project teams, and may support small-scale project management tasks under senior staff guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in environmental consulting, natural resources, or field biology.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for travel and outdoor fieldwork.
• Enthusiasm for learning and engaging with additional environmental services.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing wetland delineations following the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual and conducting stream assessments.
• Experience with or knowledge of Section 404 permitting, including Nationwide Permits, pre-construction notifications, and jurisdictional determinations.
• Ability to identify native and invasive grassland, wetland, and riparian plant species of the Great Plains and Midwest regions.
• Familiarity with hydric soils, hydrology indicators, and the Nebraska/Midwest regulatory landscape.
• Experience communicating with USACE and other regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, or similar tools.
• Experience with or knowledge of Section 408 permissions.
• Experience with stormwater compliance (SWPPP/ESC inspections), threatened and endangered species surveys, or avian surveys.
• Strong technical writing skills and experience preparing regulatory submittals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aquatic resource delineations and other field surveys, including habitat and stream assessments, vegetation identification, and soil and hydrology data collection, following USACE methods and regional supplements.
• Prepare and contribute to aquatic resource delineation reports, stream assessment reports, jurisdictional determination requests, and other technical documents.
• Support Clean Water Act permitting by preparing Section 404 permit applications, including Nationwide and Individual Permits, and Section 401 water quality certification materials.
• Support Section 408 permission requests, including researching project locations, preparing environmental compliance reviews, compiling multidisciplinary submittals, and coordinating with USACE, local levee sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• Support field efforts and, with experience, help coordinate or lead them, including directing daily survey activities and ensuring data quality.
• Support additional surveys and reporting as needed, including species surveys, vegetation monitoring, and construction compliance monitoring.
• Mentor junior staff on aquatic resource delineation, feature boundaries, soil assessment, vegetation identification, and hydrology.
• Use GIS, mobile data collection platforms, and standardized field and reporting methodologies to support project execution.
• Support small-scale project management tasks, including monitoring timelines, budgets, and scope, under senior staff guidance.
• Communicate environmental and regulatory findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including clients, agencies, and project teams.
• Participate in overnight and out-of-state fieldwork travel and work a non-traditional schedule as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive 401(k) match
• Tailored career development paths
• Possibility of flexible work arrangements
• Wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
• Full-time traditional benefits package, including health care, vision, dental, and paid time off
• Opportunity to participate in a performance-based bonus system

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level