Senior Wetland Scientist – California Natural Resources (Hybrid/Field-Based)

Description

• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Occasional overnight travel for field assignments, meetings, or client coordination.
• Engage with internal staff and clients to develop proposals and cost estimates.
• Collaborate with project managers and field teams to ensure quality control of field data, including mentorship and oversight of junior staff.
• Participate in non-wetland fieldwork such as botanical and wildlife surveys.
• Lead preparation of Aquatic Resources Delineation Reports and resource agency permit applications.
• Provide technical expertise and support for critical issues analysis and environmental planning.
• Serve as task lead for biological surveys. Experience or interest in project management is a plus.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of environmental regulations and best practices within the industry, with a focus on current California wetlands and waters regulations.
• Conduct fieldwork throughout California, primarily in the Central Valley, which may include overnight travel.
• Independently lead aquatic resources delineation surveys to determine the limits of federal and state jurisdiction.
• Fieldwork will primarily occur in natural environments throughout California, including wetlands, riparian areas, and open spaces.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Capable of walking up to 10 miles per day while carrying field gear weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying environmental conditions including heat, rain, or rugged terrain.
• Adherence to all Tetra Tech and client-specific Health & Safety policies is required.
• Regular exposure to outdoor conditions, wildlife, and varying weather.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification preferred.
• 6–10 years of experience in environmental compliance and permitting, with emphasis on aquatic resources.
• Strong understanding of federal and state environmental regulations and permitting processes.
• Experience with GIS, field mapping, data collection, and analysis tools.
• 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.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Proven success obtaining environmental permits and developing avoidance/minimization strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills for working with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Direct experience coordinating with RWQCB, USACE, CDFW, USFWS, and the California Coastal Commission.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for extended periods, sometimes in adverse weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
• Must be able to bend, kneel, lift, and stand for prolonged periods during field activities.

Benefits

• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Combination of office, hybrid, and field settings.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits. https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance