Natural Resources Field Tech

Position Summary

The Natural Resources Field Technician is responsible for assisting with fieldwork related to wetland assessments. The position involves significant fieldwork alongside a team of biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists, offering hands-on experience in field surveys, ecological studies, and data capture and management to help assess the health of ecosystems, wildlife, and natural habitats. This position may also include other natural resources project work including, but not limited to aquatic surveys, habitat restoration services, and species inventory surveys. Requirements for this position include but are not limited to field work and data management while also offering the opportunity to assist with other natural resources or other department project efforts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Fieldwork and Surveys

• Attend project training and preparation and progress meetings as necessary.
• Assist with biological assessments in wetland systems following prescribed protocol.
• Collect and process wetland data on vegetation, soil and water.
• Identify vegetation to species using taxonomic guides and diagnostic keys.
• Gather field data using GPS/tablet Geode units, data sheets, and electronic devices.
• Assist with other field work within natural resources or other departments as needed.
• Conduct field work in adverse weather and rough terrain.

Data Management

• Complete data forms from information collected in the field.
• Input, organize, and manage ecological data electronically.
• Ensure accurate documentation of field activities, including photography and note-taking.

Project Assistance

• Communicate effectively with project managers, field crew leads, team leads, and other crew members.
• Ensure that all fieldwork and project activities follow approved study plans and federal, state, and/or local environmental assessment protocols.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor's program in a field of natural sciences.
• Experience: Familiarity with basic ecological principles and practices, including field work or study.
• Willingness to conduct field work in harsh conditions and over long workdays.
• Overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

• Hands-on experience conducting wetland surveys and evaluations.
• Identification of wetland and upland plants.
• Familiarity with soil sampling as it relates to wetland identification.
• Familiarity with identifying hydrology as it relates to wetland identification.
• Familiarity with ecological field equipment, such as GPS units and/or tablets and Geodes.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desired Skills:

• Strong skills in conducting detailed field surveys, including identification of wetland plants to species and hydric soil identification.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under direct supervision of field crew leaders in a team environment.
• High attention to detail in data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure accuracy and reliability.

• Experience with data management systems, mapping software (e.g., QGIS), and field survey technology.

• Flexibility to handle changes in schedule, location, and project scope based on field conditions and project needs.

Work Environment

This position consists predominantly of field work and field technicians should expect to work 75-100% in the field. Field work assignments may include consecutive days outdoors working with a field crew in all types of weather conditions and sometimes in remote and challenging locations. A typical field workday consists of 8-12 hours which may include irregular hours and weekend work. Overnight travel and working for extended periods in different states is project specific but will be required. Office work assignments may include field preparation, data management, or equipment maintenance and may consist of up to an 8 hour day.

This position is a hybrid role, meaning employees will work a schedule which includes field work and office work on location in Stow, Ohio or Hendersonville, North Carolina.

This position is expected to report to the office for office-based work or mobilization for field work. All employees' work schedules and availabilities must be provided in a timely manner to managers. Standard office equipment and space will be provided to work in the office.

Additional:

Department & Division: Natural Resources

Exempt Status*: Non-Exempt

Reports to**: Wetlands Regional Lead or Project Manager

Works with Inside Company:

• Internal Human Resources Team
• Natural ResourcesLeadership & Personnel
• Project Managers
• Natural Resources Employees

Works with Outside Company:

• Not Applicable

Working Conditions:

• Office
• Overnight travel
• On-site work, outdoors
• Long periods of driving
• Overnight and some weekend travel can be expected

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• None

Physical Requirements:

• Repeat motions that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Occasionally there may be a need to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Communication with others to exchange information. Must be able to see, read, write, and speak.
• Must be able to complete work by standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching.
• Working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Walking for periods of time including maneuvering uneven, uphill, and downhill terrain.
• Heavy work that includes moving, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 lbs., or more.

Travel Requirements:

• % of travel time: can be up to 100%; varies with fluctuations in workload and work location

*This position is classified as non-exempt based on the job duties.

**The company reserves the right to make changes to the reporting structure for this position due to business needs.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Company: EnviroScience