Associate Scientist Jobs

About The Position

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 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, including preparing Section 404 Nationwide and Individual Permit applications 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 and, with experience, help coordinate or lead field efforts, 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 in aquatic resource delineation, including 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 and work a non-traditional schedule as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive 401(k) match.
• Tailored career development paths.
• Possibility of flexible work arrangements.
• Work that has a positive impact on communities.
• Wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles.
• Full-time employees receive health care, vision, dental, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to participate in a performance-based bonus system.