Natural Resources Technician

About the opportunity

SWCA is seeking a Natural Resources Technician for the Pittsburgh, PA office. This position will primarily focus on wetland delineation, stream identification, botanical surveys, habitat assessments, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, and technical report writing to assist Project Managers with pre-construction, regulatory, and/or permitting requirements associated with the energy sector – particularly natural gas and oil developments within the Marcellus and Utica Shale Plays.

This position is a temporary, hourly position.  Pay will be based on individual qualifications and experience. Hours may vary depending on project workload. Travel, including overnight stays, will be required for the position. Depending on projects, overtime and per diem may also be possible in addition to base pay.

What you will accomplish

The position will be a mixture of field and office work depending on project type.  However, it is expected that up to 75% of time will be related to fieldwork, with fieldwork primarily in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. This position includes hiking in rugged conditions. Experience with flora and fauna native to the Northeast and Midwest is preferred. The ability to travel to work sites regionally and accommodate multiple overnight stays to complete fieldwork efforts is required. A successful candidate should have the flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures as well as the ability to try new, improved techniques; make independent decisions when appropriate to the situation; and make adjustments as a member of a team in order to complete tasks in the most efficient and accurate manner possible.

Primary duties are:

• To conduct environmental surveys including wetland and stream assessments, botanical and wildlife presence/absence surveys, habitat assessments, and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with appropriate regulatory guidelines.
• Implement and interpret topographic maps, aerial imagery, GPS units, and other scientific tools and equipment under arduous field conditions.
• Collect observational and spatial data in the field, and prepare technical/survey reports for natural resources studies.
• Assist Project Managers with Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Nationwide permitting efforts.
• Take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedural processes for natural resource studies.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Resource Management, or a related field
• Ability to conduct field work for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, while carrying equipment and supplies weighing greater than 20 pounds across rugged terrain
• Technical report writing skills, and flexibility to work in both group and one-on-one environments
• Knowledge of Federal and State environmental regulations and guidance – particularly Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania regulations – is preferred
• Previous botanical experience is preferred
• Wetland Certification is preferred
• Previous experience in wetland delineation following the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual, the Eastern Mountains & Piedmont Regional Supplement, and the Northcentral & Northeast Regional Supplement is preferred

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. With 31 offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer an informal, team-oriented work environment, competitive salaries, and a competitive benefits package, including a stock ownership retirement plan.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Pittsburgh-based position can expect a hourly rate of $18.50–24.50/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

SWCA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and  veterans to apply.

Not ready to apply? Connect with us for general consideration.