Wetland Scientist

~ Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. is a full-service natural resources consulting firm, with expertise in environmental services, forestry and geographic information systems (GIS). ~

A set of core values guide our work, focusing our efforts on providing responsible, sustainable solutions that meet client needs. 

Our areas of expertise include forestry, wildlife, fisheries, wetlands, water quality, and geospatial services. Our work is characterized by the highest level of client service, the application of the best science and technology, quality processes and results, integrity, and our respect for the natural environment.  We have provided natural resource consulting services to both industry and government since 1921. 

Position Overview

Mason, Bruce, and Girard, Inc., a natural resource consulting firm headquartered in Portland, OR, is seeking an exceptionally self-motivated Wetland Scientist who exemplifies our core values of integrity, quality, expertise, and client service. As a team member in our Environmental Services Group, you will support multiple projects, complete technical fieldwork, draft reports, and manage key tasks while serving in a support role for multi-disciplinary projects managed by others.

Responsibilities

In this role, your major duties will include:

• Conducting all types of wetland-related project work including wetland determinations and delineations, ordinary high water mark delineations, wetland and stream functional assessments (such as ORWAP and SFAM), and mitigation monitoring in Oregon and Washington.
• Preparing all types of wetland-related documentation including delineation reports, removal/fill permit applications, mitigation plans, and monitoring reports in Oregon and Washington.
• Conducting Natural Resource Assessments and preparing associated reports per Clean Water Services and/or Water Environment Services requirements.
• If you have the required skill set and/or experience, additional duties could include project management and oversight, and mentoring junior employees in wetland sciences.

Qualifications

To excel in the position of Wetland Scientist, you need:

• Excellent written and oral communication and problem solving skills.
• Excellent, detail-oriented technical report writing and editing skills.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent time management skills.
• To operate independently under minimal supervision.
• To be responsive and client service-oriented.
• To be willing and able to conduct fieldwork requiring overnight stays.

Knowledge Required:

To enter this position, you need an understanding of:

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast and Arid West Regional Supplements including knowledge of all regional vegetation, soil, and hydrology indicators and their applications.
• Pacific Northwest plant identification.
• The Clean Water Act Section 404, Oregon Removal-Fill Law, and/or Washington Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application process.
• Use of mobile GPS and GIS technologies.
• Clean Water Service’s Design and Construction Standards for site assessments and/or Water Environment Service’s Stormwater Standards for sensitive area natural resource assessments preferred.
• The Oregon Hydrogeomorphic Assessment, Oregon Rapid Wetland Assessment Protocol, and Western and/or Eastern Washington Wetland Rating Systems preferred.
• Experience with project management including successfully managing budgets, schedules, staff allocation, and other elements of projects preferred.

Education and Experience:

• BA or BS in Biology, Environmental Science, or closely related natural resource field required.
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience as a consultant and/or scientist in an environmental consulting firm preferred.
• Professional Wetland Scientist or Wetland Professional in Training certification through the Society of Wetland Scientists’ Professional Certification Program is preferred; willingness to become certified is desired.

Job Conditions:

• Work is performed both within the field and in our Portland office.
• Travel based on project location required.
• Field work to be performed in all weather conditions, steep rough terrain, and a variety of settings including open fields and forested areas.
• Extensive computer use, physical ability to operate a telephone, and sit for extended periods of time; may lift/carry up to 50 pounds.

~ Mason, Bruce & Girard is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status or consideration protected by local, state and federal laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies. Equal opportunity applies to hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and any other organizational action. MB&G’s written Affirmative Action Plan is available to all employees and job applicants upon request. ~