WETLANDS SPECIALIST/BOTANIST

The Wetlands Specialist / Botanist will support environmental permitting, natural-resource assessments, and ecological field investigations for a variety of industrial, commercial, infrastructure, and development projects. This position will primarily perform wetland delineations, vegetation assessments, plant identification, and related environmental documentation while working closely with ECCI’s environmental scientists, engineers, project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies.

EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Conduct wetland delineations in accordance with applicable U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manuals, regional supplements, and regulatory guidance.

• Identify and document wetland and upland plant species, vegetation communities, hydrophytic vegetation, hydrology indicators, and hydric soil characteristics.

• Collect and document field data using wetland determination forms, GPS equipment, mobile applications, maps, photographs, and other field tools.

• Establish wetland and stream boundaries and assist with jurisdictional determinations.

• Perform botanical surveys, habitat assessments, ecological site evaluations, and threatened or endangered species evaluations, as qualified.

• Review mapping, aerial imagery, soil surveys, topographic information, and other environmental records.

• Prepare wetland delineation reports, technical memoranda, permit applications, figures, data summaries, and supporting documentation.

• Assist with Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting and coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal and state agencies.

• Support stream assessments, mitigation planning, restoration projects, environmental monitoring, and environmental due diligence activities.

• Communicate field findings, regulatory considerations, project risks, and recommended next steps to project managers and clients.

• Coordinate field activities with clients, property owners, surveyors, engineers, subcontractors, and regulatory personnel.

• Assist with preparation of scopes of work, cost estimates, project schedules, and proposals.

• Maintain accurate and organized field notes, photographs, electronic files, and project records.

• Follow ECCI and client health and safety requirements while performing field activities.

• Perform other environmental and ecological consulting duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, wetland science, biology, environmental science, natural-resources management, soil science, or a closely related field.

• Strong knowledge of plant identification, plant taxonomy, ecological communities, and wetland ecology.

• Ability to identify regional wetland and upland vegetation using taxonomic keys, field guides, and other technical resources.

• Familiarity with the three primary wetland delineation parameters: vegetation, soils, and hydrology.

• Strong field observation, documentation, technical writing, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to interpret maps, aerial imagery, soil surveys, and other technical environmental information.

• Ability to work independently in the field while also contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary project team.

• Experience conducting wetland delineations and preparing Section 404 permit applications preferred.

• Knowledge of plant species and ecological communities found in Arkansas and the surrounding region preferred.

• Education, training, or professional experience in soil science, including identification of hydric soil indicators, is highly desirable.

• Experience with stream assessments, mitigation monitoring, ecological restoration, habitat assessments, or threatened and endangered species evaluations preferred.

• Familiarity with GIS, GPS data collection, ArcGIS, Field Maps, Survey123, or comparable mapping and field-data platforms preferred.

• Experience in environmental consulting and familiarity with NEPA, Endangered Species Act coordination, or related environmental permitting programs preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Willingness and ability to perform fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions and travel to project sites as required.

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

LOCATION:
Little Rock, Arkansas

BENEFITS:
Health, Dental, Vision, LTD, Life, Cancer, 401k, Vacation, Sick-Time, Holidays