Aquatic Botanist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Step into a role where your ecological expertise shapes the future of renewable energy infrastructure across Northern California. As a leader in field-based environmental work, you'll guide teams, influence project strategy, and ensure that critical natural resources are assessed and protected with precision and integrity. If you're looking for a role where technical excellence meets meaningful environmental impact, this is your next step.

Why This Role Matters

At ERM, our work directly supports the development of responsible power and renewable energy projects across Northern California. As a Principal Consultant, Wetland Delineator/Botanist, you'll play a key role in providing scientifically rigorous field data, regulatory insight, and ecological expertise that inform major infrastructure decisions. Your leadership will ensure that projects meet environmental standards while advancing sustainable progress.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead and execute high-quality wetland delineations, rare plant surveys, and vegetation mapping that influence permitting and project viability.

• Serve as a trusted technical expert-producing defensible reports, overseeing QA/QC, and guiding teams through complex field and regulatory challenges.

• Represent ERM in conversations with clients and agencies, strengthening relationships and ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Mentor junior staff, shaping the next generation of field scientists.

• Contribute to business development through proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates that position ERM for future success.

What You'll Bring

Required

• Bachelor's degree in a natural science field; or equivalent years of relevant field experience.

• Minimum six (6) field seasons conducting wetland delineations using the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and applicable Regional Supplements.

• Familiarity with Army Corps Regional Supplements for Western Mountains, Valleys & Coast, and the Arid West.

• Expertise with sub-meter GPS, ESRI Field Maps, and map interpretation (NWI, USGS, aerial imagery).

• Strong communication, organizational skills, and collaborative mindset.

• Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions and hike challenging terrain with equipment.

• Willingness to work weekends, remain on-call, and travel with frequent overnight stays.

• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.

• Demonstrated adaptability, accountability, and composure in demanding field and regulatory environments.

• Ability to effectively collaborate with clients, agencies, and internal teams.

• Commitment to mentoring and knowledge-sharing within the team.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a natural science field.

• Prior experience preparing technical reports, jurisdictional determinations, and mitigation plans.

• Experience implementing Regional Streamflow Duration Assessment Methods.

• Prior experience supporting permit applications and regulatory coordination (USACE, CDFW, EPA).

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee aquatic resource delineations using ESRI Field Maps and sub-meter GPS collection.

• Conduct and supervise rare plant surveys, vegetation community mapping, and habitat assessments.

• Delineate wetlands per the 1987 Corps Manual and relevant Regional Supplements.

• Delineate Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) using applicable guidelines.

• Implement Regional Streamflow Duration Assessment Methods.

• Complete data entry and data review using tools such as Survey123, Wildnote, and ESRI apps.

• Prepare biotic reports, aquatic resource assessments, jurisdictional determinations, and mitigation plans.

• Lead technical review and QA/QC for fieldwork and reporting.

• Coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies; represent ERM in meetings and public forums.

• Support business development efforts through proposals, cost estimates, and project pursuits.

• Mentor junior staff and support development of training materials.

• Assist with permit application development as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.