Associate Wetland Scientist - Energy Market

The role

You will support renewable energy, transmission, and infrastructure projects with a focus on wetlands and water permitting. Duties include conducting field surveys, preparing technical reports, and data processing.

What you will do

• Conduct aquatic resource delineations and field surveys including habitat, stream, vegetation, soil, and hydrology data collection.
• Prepare aquatic resource delineation reports, stream assessment reports, and jurisdictional determination requests.
• Support Clean Water Act permitting including Section 404 permit applications and Section 401 water quality certification materials.
• Support Section 408 permission requests including researching locations and coordinating with USACE and stakeholders.
• Assist in coordinating or leading field efforts and directing daily survey activities.
• Perform species surveys, vegetation monitoring, and construction compliance monitoring.
• Mentor junior staff on delineating aquatic resources.
• Use GIS and mobile data collection platforms to support project execution.
• Support small-scale project management tasks like monitoring timelines, budgets, and scope.
• Communicate environmental and regulatory findings to stakeholders.

Required qualifications

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

Nice to have

• Experience performing wetland delineations following the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual and stream assessments
• Experience with or knowledge of Section 404 permitting
• 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

Benefits

• Competitive 401(k) match
• Tailored development paths
• Possibility for flexible work arrangements
• Wellness program
• Health care
• Vision
• Dental
• Paid time off
• Bonus system that rewards performance

About the company

Olsson is a people-centric firm that engineers and designs solutions to improve the world. They specialize in engineering, design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental work.