DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Temporary

Salary Details: $16-$19 DOE + per diem

See full job details at https://environment.uw.edu/career-opportunities/wetland-field-technician/

PG Environmental is seeking potential candidates to support the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA’s) National Wetlands Condition Assessment (NWCA) field sampling during the summer of 2021. More information on the NWCA can be found here: http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/assessment/survey/.

The field sampling is scheduled during the summer index period of 2021 (April – September). PG is currently screening for multiple seasonal wetlands scientist positions to sample wetlands across the United States. Basic responsibilities of the wetland scientists include assisting in procuring site access; conducting standardized wetland sampling at designated locations; recording data utilizing electronic datasheets; interacting with various state and federal agencies, as well as private landowners; working independently and together with an assigned field crew; and organizing and maintaining equipment, samples, and vouchers. The wetland field technician will continuously learn the local flora and build botanical knowledge of common species. Site locations vary from coastal marshes in the Gulf of Mexico to alpine meadows in the Intermountain West.

Qualified wetland field technician candidates will possess the following skills:

• B.A./B.S. or working toward a degree in a natural sciences field.
• Field experience, including the ability to work in and respond to adverse weather conditions and biological hazards for extended periods of time including extreme heat, monsoonal rains, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions).
• Ability to travel for multiple weeks at a time from April through the end of September 2021 (field start/stop timing varies based on the location of the field crew) and work long field days.
• Physically capable of standing and walking in wetlands and difficult terrain, digging a soil pit, bending and crouching for long periods of time, and lifting/carrying items that weigh up to 40 pounds in variable weather conditions.
• Excellent communication skills, and ability to work both independently as well as part of a team.
• A valid US driver’s license and insurable driving record.
• Ability to pass federal background checks.
• Positive attitude and attention to detail.
• Direct experience (academic or professional) in wetlands science/soil sciences/botany preferred.
• Plant identification skills and experience with hydric soils and wetland delineation experience is a plus (but not required).

Work will primarily be located in SC, GA, AL, MS, AR, OH, KS, NE, SD, IA, AZ, and hand-selected wetland sites located across the western US. PG’s main office is located in Golden, CO. Two PG vehicles are provided for each field crew, and crews will be required to drive long distances daily to new sites throughout a nine- to 14-day field trip. PG successfully instituted a number of COVID field crew sampling requirements and best practices throughout its 2020 field season, and will again be doing so in 2021.

Selected candidates will be placed based on their skill sets, location, and regional expertise. PG provides lodging and per diem for this project in addition to hourly wages.