Environmental Technician II

The Environmental Technician II at WithersRavenel in Cary, NC, assists Project Managers with field and office tasks related to natural resource assessments and compliance. Responsibilities include wetland delineations, habitat assessments, data collection, and permit preparation. Candidates should be passionate about environmental conservation and comfortable working outdoors in diverse conditions. The role involves significant fieldwork and physical requirements.
Description

The Environmental Technician II will assist Project Managers in completing field and office tasks related to natural resource assessments, monitoring, and compliance. This role involves assisting with wetland and stream delineations, habitat assessments, and regulatory compliance activities. The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental conservation and be comfortable working outdoors in diverse conditions.

Fieldwork and Data Collection
• Assist with wetland and stream delineations, riparian buffer determinations, threatened and endangered species surveys, and other natural resource assessments.
• Conduct site reconnaissance, including traversing wooded or undeveloped areas with varying terrain.
• Document site conditions, observations, and activities through detailed field notes, including calibration records and health and safety issues.
• Operate and maintain field tools, such as GPS units, water quality meters, and sampling instruments.

Mapping and Data Processing
• Prepare CAD base files of site information and create field maps and GIS files for use with Trimble GPS units during fieldwork.
• Process GPS data and integrate it into CAD base files for project deliverables.

Reporting and Permitting
• Assist with preparation of reports and exhibits documenting results of field investigations.
• Support the preparation of 404/401 permits, buffer authorizations, and other regulatory permit applications.
• Assist with preparation of requests for agency verifications of delineations, buffer determinations, and threatened and endangered species surveys.

Other Responsibilities
• Collaborate with team members to complete projects efficiently and accurately
• Attend on site meetings with regulatory agencies.
• Maintain equipment and field vehicles and ensure inventory of field supplies is up-to-date.
• Provide support for emergency response activities, as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.

Physical Requirements

In Office Work

The assignment may occasionally require repetitive physical tasks (such as operating a computer), standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time, extended time travelling in a vehicle, and carrying equipment and materials up to 25 pounds.

Field Work
• Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork year-round in various weather conditions.
• The employee will frequently be required to walk long distances in excess of 1-mile, while carrying approximately 10 pounds of field equipment and a field vest.
• While working in the field, the employee will be required to carry various field equipment, which depending on the site include a soil auger, a machete and GPS unit. The employee must be able to lift field supplies and equipment ranging from 10 – 50 pounds.
• Ability to traverse wooded areas with moderate to steep slopes at a steady pace while carrying necessary field equipment.

Working Conditions

This role involves conducting field investigations for projects ranging in size from 1 acre to over 1,000 acres. Employees must be willing and able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, adhering to company health and safety protocols. Due to the nature of the fieldwork, the employee will be exposed to environmental hazards, including heat, rash causing plants, venomous snakes, venomous spiders, and insects. This role includes travel for fieldwork, primarily one-day trips to sites near the office, with occasional overnight travel for up to 5 days. May be required to work longer hours in both the field and office to meet timely deadlines as needed.

Requirements
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in an environmental-related field of study.
• 0-4 years of experience in the environmental industry.
• Valid drivers license with the ability to pass an MVR records check.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to be a self-starter, working independently and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and ability to complete tasks within designated deadlines and budgets
• Ability to respond to requests from clients as directed by Project Manager in a timely manner.
• Excellent technical and report writing skills, with the ability to compile reports electronically.
• Flexibility to travel and stay overnight for certain out-of-town work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications.