Associate Scientist – Wetland Biologist

Company Description

We are Olsson, a team-based, purpose-driven engineering and design firm. Our solutions improve communities and our people make it possible.

Our most meaningful asset is our people, and we are dedicated to providing an environment where they can continue to learn, grow, and thrive. Our entrepreneurial spirit is what has allowed us — and will continue to allow us — to grow. The result? Inspired people, amazing designs, and projects with purpose.

Job Description

At Olsson, we help our clients proactively comply with complicated regulatory processes and provide our clients with the latest and best methods to review projects and maintain compliance with the Clean Water Act-Section 404, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act and others.

As an Associate Scientist, you may manage small and/or medium-sized projects, work with state and federal regulators to permit Olsson projects, coordinate with clients, and collaborate with team members. You may also mentor and train others on complex work and travel to job sites for observation and field work. Work responsibilities will be consistent with experience and expertise and will grow throughout your career at Olsson.

Work includes the following elements:

Clean Water Act Section 404 Permitting

Candidate will be responsible for conducting wetland and stream delineations, writing jurisdictional determination reports, and writing Clean Water Act Section 404 nationwide and individual permits. Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting may include client coordination, developing scope and fees, determining profit and loss, and organizing staff and schedule. Will be required to stay informed on changing regulations, maintaining and updating templates, maintaining and updating equipment, and coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as needed. Writing and communication skills are strongly desired. Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting includes the following:

Complete on-site wetland delineations and stream evaluations and write jurisdictional determination reports

Identify hydric soils

Identify hydrology

Identify hydrophytic plants (formal training and experience required)

Write nationwide permits and individual permits

Evaluate project impacts and determine permit requirements

Coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as needed

Maintain project schedules and request additional staff as needed

Maintain and update templates and equipment

Trimble/GPS unit, camera, soil probe, Munsell

Stay current on regulations

Waters of the U.S. rule

Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification

Follow Olsson QA/QC program.

We will consider candidates interested in being located in Omaha, NE or Lincoln, NE.

Qualifications

You are passionate about:

Working collaboratively with others

Having ownership in the work you do

Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:

Ability to contribute and work well on a team.

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.

Strong work ethic, problem solver, and ability to work independently.

Business mindset and understanding client needs.

Skills:

Wetland delineation.

Strong plant identification.

Soil texture, color classification, and hydric determination

Hydrology identification

NEPA understanding.

Threatened and endangered species desktop and field surveys

Bats or other federally listed species.

Field experience, GIS equipment use, scientific methodologies.

Strong communication skills.

Strong technical writing skills

Additional Information

Olsson is a nationally recognized, employee-owned firm specializing in planning and design, engineering, field services, environmental, and technology. Founded in 1956 on the very mindset that drives us today, we’re here to improve communities by making them more sustainable, better connected, and more efficient. Simply put, we work to leave the world better than we found it.

As an Olsson employee, you’ll receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.), plus you’ll:

Become an owner in the company after your first year through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Engage in work that has a positive impact in communities

Receive an excellent 401(k) match

Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

Benefit from a bonus system that rewards performance

Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements

Olsson is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.

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