Aquatic / Wetland Biologist

EnviroScience, Inc. is a niche provider of environmental consulting services. We employ over 160 highly skilled and technical employees that develop unique, cost-effective solutions for our clients' environmental, infrastructure and regulatory needs. Our clients repeatedly choose EnviroScience because of our technical expertise, client advocacy, high quality work, and outstanding reputation with regulators and industry executives.

EnviroScience is seeking a fulltime Biologist for our Brentwood, Tennessee office.The Biologist is responsible for completion of aquatic survey, wetland and stream delineation services, and general threatened and endangered species project work. The components of this job include field survey work and technical reporting focused on aquatic biology, wetland delineation and stream evaluation, including the assessment of freshwater and wetland systems, monitoring water quality, analyzing aquatic habitats, completing field forms and reporting, producing and communicating results and guiding clients through permitting processes. Requirements of this position include but are not limited to field work, laboratory work, and data management while also offering the opportunity to assist with other project efforts such as proposal preparation, technical report writing, and other natural resources services. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Field Work and Surveys

* Conduct field surveys for wetlands, streams, fish, and macroinvertebrates for community assessments in various habitats using a variety of sampling methods.

* Delineate wetland and stream boundaries and classify wetland and stream quality

* Conduct water quality monitoring and assessments

* Conduct stream habitat evaluations and assessments

* Perform habitat assessments for threatened and endangered species

* Utilize data collection devices (e.g. GPS) and GIS tools to map and document site conditions

* Maintain equipment inventory and ensure proper storage and transportation.

* Assist in determining permitting requirements and project accomplishment strategies to clients

* Assist with other field work or natural resources project work, as needed.

Data Management and Reporting

* Organize, input, and manage ecological data using software like Excel and other database tools.

* Ensure accurate documentation of field activities, including photography and note-taking.

* Assist in the preparation of detailed and accurate technical reports.

* Maintain clear communication with project managers and clients.

Project Support

* Assist in the planning and execution of field surveys

* Assist with proposal efforts and client coordination, as needed.

This position consists of predominantly field work and should expect to work 75-100% in the field. Field work assignments may include consecutive days outdoors working independently or with a field crew in all types of weather conditions and sometimes in remote and challenging locations. A typical field workday consists of 8-12 hours which may include irregular hours and weekend work. Overnight travel and working for extended periods in different states is project specific but will be required. Office work assignments may include field preparation, data management, or equipment maintenance and may consist of up to an 8-hour day.

This position is a hybrid role, meaning employees will work a schedule which includes field work and work on location in the Brentwood, TN office.

This position is expected to report to the office for office-based work but working from home may be permitted for specific assignments. Standard office equipment and space will be provided to work in the office. Working from home must be pre-approved by your direct supervisor and is subject to current workload and employee utilization. All employees' work schedules must be updated to indicate work type (field or lab/office) and location for each day. Uninterrupted home-based internet is a must in your home to attend and host video calls, along with a minimum bandwidth speed of 20 mbps.

Department & Division: Natural Resources

Exempt Status*: Exempt

Reports to**: Aquatics Operations Lead or Wetland Operations Lead (dependent upon candidate skillset)

Works with Inside Company:

* Internal Human Resources Team

* Natural Resources leadership & personnel

Works with Outside Company:

* Clients, Consultants, and vendors as necessary

Working Conditions:

* Office

* Overnight travel

* On-site work, outdoors

* Long periods of driving

* Overnight and some weekend travel can be expected

Supervisor Responsibilities:

* None

Physical Requirements:

* Repeat motions that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

* Occasionally may need to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.

* Communication with others to exchange information. Must be able to see, read, write, and speak.

* Must be able to complete work by standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching

* Working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

* Walking for periods of time including maneuvering uneven, uphill, and downhill terrain

* Heavy work that includes moving, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 lbs., or more

Travel Requirements:

* % of travel time: typically up to 75%; varies with fluctuations in workload and work location

*This position is classified as exempt based on the job duties.

**The company reserves the right to make changes to the reporting structure for this position due to business needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Education: B.S./B.A. degree in natural science field of study

* Experience: 2+ years of experience in ecology or natural resource consulting.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience:

o Hands-on experience conducting aquatic field surveys, wetland delineation, hydrologic determinations, water quality monitoring, and habitat assessments for fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, and threatened and endangered species.

o Familiarity with state and federal environmental regulations.

o Familiarity with GIS and GPS field operation

o Experience with on-water work / boat operations

o Experience with in-water work, wading in streams with variable flow and depths.

o Strong proficiency in data analysis and technical report writing.

o Familiarity with TDEC MS4 permitting process and technical requirements, including field assessment and monitoring, as well as reporting

o Experience with conducting TN Hydrologic Determinations

o Clean Water Act Section 401/404 permitting and coordination

o Experience with remote collaboration tools, such as video conferencing, project management software, and cloud-based data storage.

o Ability to work in various field conditions and travel as required.

o Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

o Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desired Skills:

* Strong skills in conducting detailed field research using various survey methods.

* Ability to safely operate and trailer boats of various sizes on different types of waterbodies.

* Physical ability to work in outdoor field conditions, including wading in streams and rivers and carrying equipment.

* Ability to lead field crews and multi-task regularly in a fast-paced, changing work environment.

* Organizational skills to manage workload and the ability to assist with multiple projects simultaneously.

* Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address issues encountered in the field.

* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for coordinating with project team and supervisors, preparing reports, and interacting with clients.

* High attention to detail in data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure accuracy and reliability.

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team environment

* Demonstrated ability to write or assist with technical reports.

* Project and/or client management including proposal development.

* Experience with wetland and stream assessments and delineations.

* Completion of the 40-hour Wetland Delineation Training.

* Completion of the Tennessee Hydrologic Determination Training Course.

* Willingness and ability to travel and conduct field work.

* Experience with threatened and endangered species habitat evaluations to support the Endangered Species Act requirements.

Desired Certifications:

* TDEC certified for macroinvertebrate collection (or capable of getting certified)

* Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional (TN-QHP) Certification or TN-QHP In-training is preferred.