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Coastal Scientist - Houma, LA

Coastal Scientist - Houma, LA

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.


Your impact

Our Coastal Scientist jobs are your opportunity to help monitor and restore coastal Louisiana wetlands. Each day, you will work on ecological monitoring projects conducting field sampling and data analysis. You should be a self-motivated, team-focused individual with a BS degree in environmental science; have 0-3 years of experience performing environmental field work preferably as a field biologist, wetland ecologist, or botanist; and have a desire to grow personally as well as professionally with each Coastal Scientist job.

While this role is tied to our closet Jacobs office, in Baton Rouge, LA; this person will work out of our field office based in Houma, LA.

Our Coastal Scientists:

  • Conduct environmental sampling, evaluate, and analyze data, and assist with technical report writing on the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System program.
  • Collect scientific data including hydrologic (using continuous recorders), wetland surface elevation and accretion (via RSET/feldspar techniques), and wetland vegetation composition and cover data.
  • Work in an effective team environment, learning and taking instruction from mid and senior staff.
  • Work on coastal restoration projects requiring heavy physical exertion in a variety of difficult field conditions.
  • Are familiar with wetland plants and biological data collection.
  • Use their knowledge in the safe operation of boats and airboats.
  • Spend up to 75% of time working in the field.
  • Office work includes processing and reviewing scientific data for client deliverables.
  • Share work experiences in a positive work environment where talents are valued.
  • Contribute to a company dedicated to sustainable development practices.

Jacobs will not sponsor an employment visa to fill this position.

This is a field-based role, physical requirements include, but are not limited to:

  • Must prioritize safety in every aspect of the job
  • Must be comfortable working in all types of boats
  • Must be capable of heavy physical exertion in a variety of difficult field conditions
  • Must be able to travel 1-4 nights per month as needed
Here's what you'll need
  • BS or MS degree in natural sciences from a US accredited college or university
  • Familiarity with coastal wetlands - must have lived (or worked on projects) on the coast
  • Comfortable with mobile technology, including tablet-based forms for data collection
  • Experience in troubleshooting and diagnosing technical issues, with demonstrated comfort in the problem-solving process


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Coastal wetlands Louisiana experience preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, formula building)
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn data processing and analytical tools such as VBA, R, R Shiny, Python, EQuIS, JMP, or other relevant software.

Jacobs’ health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, one floating holiday, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Additional Info

Application Link or Email : david.mcwhorter@jacobs.com

Job Type : Full-Time

Education Level : Bachelors Degree, Masters

Experience Level : Entry Level

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