Environmental Scientist (Natural Resources)

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson•Houston, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is perfect for a mid-level natural resources professional who is experienced with various environmental investigation (wetland and stream delineations, habitat assessments, vegetation analysis, species surveys) and is experienced in leading field teams and mentoring entry-level staff. The candidate must be able to work both collaboratively in a team setting and independently to complete assigned tasks on schedule while managing multiple priorities and adapting to evolving project needs. The candidate must exhibit the ability to collect defensible scientific information in the field, conduct appropriate data analysis to synthesize the information, and clearly and concisely communicate findings in technical reports. The position requires excellent communication and organizational skills and the candidate is expected to be self-motivated to do good work and have fun while doing it. Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

Requirements

Must successfully complete and pass JMT's Motor Vehicle screening
Valid driver's license
Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Pro to create maps and exhibits
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and familiarity with AutoCADD and/or Microstation
Ability to walk over uneven and vegetated terrain, carrying field equipment and coolers (up to 25 pounds)
Ability to regularly utilize sampling tools such as hand augers and sharp-shooter shovels to access soils up to three feet below the natural ground surface
Willingness to travel and work hours other than Monday-Friday and other than 8am to 5pm as needed for project work
Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental or natural science, biology, planning, ecology, or a related field
3+ years of experience with essential functions and responsibilities as outlined above
Experience delineating wetland and streams in the Atlantic and/or Gulf Coastal Plains and/or Great Plains in accordance with the 1987 USACE Manual and applicable Regional Supplements
Expertise with USACE regulatory permitting under CWA Section 404 and/or RHA Section 10
Working knowledge of sub-meter GPS technologies, field data collection, and map interpretation (NWI, USGS, aerial imagery)
Local or regional familiarity with projects in Texas and surrounding areas

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in natural resource management, environmental or natural science, biology, planning, ecology, or a related field
Professional Certifications (e.g., Professional Wetland Scientist, Certified Wetland Delineator, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Certified Environmental Professional, Project Management Professional, etc.)
Wetland/Stream Permitting and Jurisdictional Determination experience within the Galveston and/or Fort Worth Districts of the USACE
Prior experience in the environmental consulting industry
Ability to operate UTV/ATVs, boats, and trailers
TxDOT pre-certified for multiple environmental categories
Advanced wetland delineation and/or hydric soils training
Scientific collections permit from TPWD and/or USFWS for various species of plant and/or animal species (e.g., freshwater mussels, reptiles, amphibians, avifauna, fish, mammals, etc.)
Experience preparing biological consultation documents for ESA Section 7 and/or 10, including Biological Assessments and Biological Evaluations, and obtaining concurrence from USFWS
Rosgen Level I-IV training

Responsibilities

Wetland and stream delineations
Species specific and general protected species habitat surveys
Wetland and stream mitigation monitoring
Migratory bird nest surveys
Collects data and field samples during field investigations
Oversees, analyzes, and manages data received from field investigations; determines the location, size, condition, and impacts to designated environmental resources
Documents methodologies and findings of research and field investigations
Leads, prepares, and manages natural environmental technical reports, field delineation reports, impact assessments, environmental inspection reports, and similar reports
Creates maps and exhibits to support technical reporting and permitting documents
Researches and interprets federal, state, and local regulations on a project-specific basis to assess project permitting feasibility and requirements, and interface with regulatory agencies
Applies critical thinking, a flexible approach to problem solving, excellent interpersonal communication (oral and written), planning, and organizational skills and attention to detail
Supports the development of various state, federal, and local regulatory permit application processes, such as Section 404/401, Endangered Species Act Section 7 & 10 Consultation, NPDES, etc.
Mentoring/training entry-level field staff to conduct fieldwork
Supports preparation of NEPA documents, including writing environmental setting and impact analyses sections
Participates in preparation of public involvement materials and attends public meetings
Leads and manages environmental compliance surveys (e.g., stormwater management facilities, erosion and sediment control procedures, design/build projects, etc.) and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
Participates in geomorphic surveys and design efforts of ecological restoration projects
Assists the cultural resources practice with archeological digs and other similar studies
Performs other related duties as assigned