Natural Resources Technician

SWCA seeks a temporary Natural Resources Technician for the Houston, TX office. This position is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt role offering a mixture of office and field assignments, with 85% being field work.

About the Role

Our natural resources technicians perform biological field surveys, assist with data collection and data entry, work on wetland delineations and threatened/endangered species activities, and support report writing for a variety of natural resources projects. The Houston office supports projects in the Southern region across multiple service areas, including renewable generation, oil & gas, transmission, site development, and ecological restoration. The position requires the ability to work long hours in harsh conditions and be on the road for several days or weeks at a time.

Responsibilities

• Assist crew leaders with a variety of natural resources field studies, including:
  • Wetland delineations
  • Threatened and endangered species activities
  • Stream assessments
  • Vegetation and rare plant surveys
  • Avian and wildlife surveys
  • Aquatics surveys
  • Wildlife habitat assessments
  • Stormwater compliance inspections
• Record data on GPS units and field site forms or other forms.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms.
• Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and landforms.
• Operate SWCA vehicles, including driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads.
• Assist project managers in data organization, interpretation, and report preparation as needed.
• Adhere to SWCA’s safety procedures and standards of scientific and professional ethics.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six (6) months of relevant natural resources experience.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures.
• Ability to try new, innovative techniques and make independent decisions or adjustments as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to learn, have fun, and grow into increasing responsibilities in a positive work environment.
• Ability to travel up to 85% of the time (projects typically run on a two-week rotation).
• Ability to work in challenging, outdoor work environments and carry up to 40 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related life sciences field.
• Knowledge of Texas and Louisiana flora and fauna.
• Working knowledge of wetland and riparian plant species identification, wetland soils, and wetland hydrology indicators.
• Experience in avian surveys or wildlife surveys in Texas and Louisiana.

Benefits

• 100% employee-owned firm with an employee stock ownership plan (retirement).
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Competitive wages.
• Wellness time for temporary employees.
• Career development programs, including award-winning Career Landscape support resources.
• Opportunities for internal advancement.

Pay

An employee in this Houston-based position can expect an hourly rate of $20.20/hr. - $26.75/hr. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

Why Work at SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our vision is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.