Environmental Scientist/Ecologist

CSRS, Inc. is seeking a Mid-Level Environmental Project Scientist/Ecologist to join our team in our Baton Rouge Louisiana office. Are you an Environmental Project Scientist or Engineer with a minimum of 3 years of environmental/consulting experience who enjoys technical challenges as well as client, agency, and public interaction? Are you looking for an opportunity to work with an established consulting firm that values its employees’ enthusiasm and technical contributions?  This position requires an individual with a strong technical background, effective communication skills, and an established work history with clients, agencies, the public, and team interactions. This person should also have experience with the preparation of wetland delineation reports and coordination with federal and state agencies in particular the U.S. Corp Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) This exciting opportunity offers a growth position in a team-oriented environment for an individual with an established track record as a leader of environmental-related projects.

The Environmental Scientist/Ecologist will be responsible for a variety of environmental and regulatory work on all phases of projects, particularly regarding wetland delineations, habitat assessments, sensitive species surveys environmental and regulatory compliance, and permitting. This position prepares applicable technical documents including proposals, reports, and regulatory agency correspondence.  Projects may include ecological and natural resource field surveys, wetlands delineations, Phase I/II environmental site assessments, site investigations, , and site planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• GIS Analysis using ArcGIS Pro/QGIS
• Coordinating efforts and field sampling events, in various site settings
• Assisting senior staff with the preparation of proposals and technical reports,
• Supporting various projects and groups within the Environmental Branch (e.g., Phase I/Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), wetland delineations, and various water resources/permitting/compliance projects and environmental projects..)
• Data analysis and report preparation and assist with the development of permit applications, including state and federal USACE Section 404/Section 10 and 408 permits and Section 401 Water Quality
• Conduct desktop environmental assessments using GIS and other available programs to address potential permitting requirements
• Demonstrable experience in performing wetland delineations, obtaining jurisdictional determinations for the USACE, wildlife surveys, and habitat assessment
• Ability to communicate and coordinate with clients and agency personnel daily

Minimum Qualifications

Need working knowledge of federal, state and/or local regulations (e.g., Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Acts, Coastal Zone Management Act, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, USACE Section 404/Section 10 permits, Section 401 Water Quality Certifications.  Must demonstrate strong reporting experience, specifically, wetland data reports, jurisdictional determination requests and sensitive species reports, USACE Section 10/404/Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Coastal Management Coastal Use permitting, NEPA, and ecological monitoring reports.

• Strong technical writing skills

• BS or MS degree in an Environmental discipline (i.e., biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, soil science or related natural resources)
• Proficient in use of Trimble units or similar GPS technologies
• GIS experience required, ArcGIS Pro/QGIS
• Familiar with GPS data collection, a broad range of ecologic communities, environmental regulatory compliance, and prior experience is preferred.
• Experience with various types of wetland mitigation assessment methods (i.e., LRAM, WVA, etc.)
• Basis wetland delineation training certificate
• Proven knowledge of general site/federal permitting processes.
• Experience in plant identification/taxonomy
• Ability to lead wetlands delineations, Phase I ESA, and other environmental field activities
• Daytime travel and overnight travel may be required, as needed

Desired Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years relatable experience with an emphasis on wetland delineations, surveys and natural resource inventories.
•  Knowledge of Endangered Species Act Section 7 and Section processes.
• Thorough Knowledge of Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Acts, and the Coastal Zone Management Act

Core Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills (English)
• Ability to work efficiently and demonstrate effective organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively with team members as well as independently
• Must pass drug test, physical and background check and
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Work outdoors in various weather conditions, and frequently lift to 35 pounds