Description
The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding a highly motivated and experienced Senior Wetland Scientist to join our California Natural Resources team. In addition to a focus on wetland biology, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental permitting, compliance, and natural resource surveys.
This position will involve regular fieldwork throughout California and close collaboration with clients, regulatory agencies, and internal teams to ensure successful project execution and adherence to environmental regulations.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Essential Job Functions:
- Independently lead aquatic resources delineation surveys to determine the limits of federal and state jurisdiction.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of environmental regulations and best practices within the industry, with a focus on current California wetlands and waters regulations.
- Lead preparation of Aquatic Resources Delineation Reports and resource agency permit applications.
- Collaborate with project managers and field teams to ensure quality control of field data, including mentorship and oversight of junior staff.
- Serve as task lead for biological surveys. Experience or interest in project management is a plus.
- Provide technical expertise and support for critical issues analysis and environmental planning.
- Engage with internal staff and clients to develop proposals and cost estimates.
- Participate in non-wetland fieldwork such as botanical and wildlife surveys.
- Conduct fieldwork throughout California, primarily in the Central Valley, which may include overnight travel.
- Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
- Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
- Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
- Additional duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master's preferred).
- 6–10 years of experience in environmental compliance and permitting, with emphasis on aquatic resources.
- Direct experience coordinating with RWQCB, USACE, CDFW, USFWS, and the California Coastal Commission.
- Minimum 3 years of experience leading field teams for aquatic resource delineation in California; experience leading botanical or protocol-level wildlife surveys is a plus.
- Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification preferred.
- Strong understanding of federal and state environmental regulations and permitting processes.
- Proven success obtaining environmental permits and developing avoidance/minimization strategies.
- Experience with GIS, field mapping, data collection, and analysis tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills for working with clients and regulatory agencies.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
- Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to conduct fieldwork for extended periods, sometimes in adverse weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
- Capable of walking up to 10 miles per day while carrying field gear weighing up to 35 pounds.
- Must be able to bend, kneel, lift, and stand for prolonged periods during field activities.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying environmental conditions including heat, rain, or rugged terrain.
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
- Combination of office, hybrid, and field settings.
- Fieldwork will primarily occur in natural environments throughout California, including wetlands, riparian areas, and open spaces.
- Regular exposure to outdoor conditions, wildlife, and varying weather.
- Adherence to all Tetra Tech and client-specific Health & Safety policies is required.
- Occasional overnight travel for field assignments, meetings, or client coordination.
Additional Information:
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried
- Work Location: California (Hybrid – Fieldwork throughout California with a focus on the Central Valley)
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits. https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.
Compensation:
Pay commensurate with experience.
Pay Range: $90,000-$140,000 Yearly
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
Additional Information- Organization: 194 CES
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