On Pointe Consulting, LLC is a Colorado-founded, women-owned firm that specializes in natural resource surveys and management, permitting, and technical reporting services for energy projects nationwide. We’re on a mission to raise industry standards for field expertise and stand out as proactive leaders to better serve our clients! On Pointe Consulting is looking for like-minded scientists and leaders to join us in working to strike a balance between protection of natural resources and development of industry projects. As biologists, we have a duty to protect natural resources per the regulatory requirements. As environmental consultants, we have a commitment to our clients to guide them in environmentally responsible project development. We give our clients the best service by capturing details often missed, and by providing critical thinking throughout the life of each project.

For more information about On Pointe Consulting LLC, check us out online at:

www.onpointe-llc.com    and     www.linkedin.com/company/on-pointe-consulting-llc/

On Pointe is seeking 2 to 4 Project Term Employment (PTE) Wetland Scientist Field Team Leads (Field Leads) to conduct wetland and watercourse delineations, functional assessments, threatened and endangered (T&E) species habitat assessments, and various vegetation surveys for energy and utility projects in Texas and other locations along the Gulf Coast, throughout the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions, and in the Midwest. The work environment will consist of mainly remote field settings in irregular and/or steep terrain and often under adverse weather conditions.

Field Leads often work 6 days/week for the duration of a project and are guaranteed minimum of 8 hours/day during workdays. Field Leads can anticipate being paid for 60+ hours per week. Employment term will depend on length of each project and no guarantees are offered regarding employment term.

Our commitment to our On Pointe team members: offer personal mentorship and hands on training, empower our team members to work within their strengths, and provide a supportive and encouraging environment in which members can grow and be their best!

START DATE: TBD, likely May/June

END DATE: Projects will likely continue through the end of the year.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: W-2, Project Term Employee.

COMPENSATION:

• $40-50/hour, depending on experience.
• Straight time overtime paid for hours over 40 hours worked.
• Per diem (cash) for daily food expenses (ranges from $50-$79/day) while away from home,
• Direct reimbursement for hotel lodging, airfare, rental vehicle while away from home,
• Direct reimbursement for mileage in personal vehicle at the federal standard rate ($0.655/mile) for use on the projects.

PRIMARY Responsibilities: 

• Conduct wetland and watercourse delineations according to the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and applicable regional supplements. We will be using primarily the Great Plains, Arid West, and Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain supplements, as well as the Arid West stream manual and the new draft national OHWM manual.
• Perform various wetland and stream functional assessments.
• Conduct T&E habitat assessments and species-specific surveys.
• Perform noxious weed surveys and ability to identify and map vegetation communities.
• Record and review geospatial data using submeter GPS units and ESRI Field Maps.
• Mentor and manage field technicians under project manager guidance. Field Leads will be paired with field technicians; an important part of this position will be to help train field technicians and help them obtain a better understanding of wetland delineation techniques and other natural resource survey methods.

Ninety percent of this position will consist of extended periods of overnight travel and work outdoors (often in remote locations) and about 10% will be office related data management and report submittals. In addition, you will need to be comfortable with technology and have the ability to use electronic data collection devices (tablets and phones) and associated software and apps and have strong computer skills for data collection and processing needs.

A 2 to 3 week probationary period will be required for all hires. During this probationary period, your performance and ability to perform the required skill sets will be evaluated. If you exceed the required skill sets your pay rate may be increased at On Pointe’s discretion. 

Additional required and preferred skills are listed below.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Physical

• Willingness to travel and remain on the project site for a minimum of 3 weeks. We will give preference to applicants who are able to remain on-site for longer blocks of time.
• Ability to work 6 days per week, 10+ hours per day, 60-80 hours per week.
• Ability to carry a backpack with equipment and water (up to 30 lbs) and walk off-trail up to 10 miles on uneven terrain and/or in thick vegetation.
• Ability to perform work outdoors in difficult/extreme weather conditions (excessive heat and humidity) daily.
• Understand that physical difficulties (e.g., biting insects, poisonous snakes, barbed wire fences, and thick/thorny brush) are the norm and will be encountered daily on these projects.
• Valid driver’s license and state minimum vehicle insurance in good standing.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Technical

• Minimum 5 years of demonstratable experience leading wetland delineation teams in applicable regions. Skills will be tested in the field.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Ecology, Soil Science, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related degree.
• Certification of attendance for a 40-hour USACE Wetland Delineation Course
• Ability to defend wetland boundaries, OHWM delineations, and other data recorded in the field to project management and agency representatives.
• Working knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations and laws that must be considered when conducting biological surveys.
• Experience using a Trimble GPS unit and knowledge how to load background files, review and edit GPS data, download spatial data, and trouble shoot issues.
• Must be proficient with technology and possess the ability to operate a variety of electronic devices such as a laptop computers, tablets, and phones and use associated software and apps such as:
• Google Earth, Google Maps, ArcGIS Field Maps, BioApp, Survey 123, Terra Sync, Trimble Mobile Manager, Genius Scan, iNaturalist, etc.
• Microsoft Excel, Word, Sharepoint, and Access programs
• Capacity to review, process, and submit field data each day after field work is completed. This may include the following:
• safety forms,
• daily progress reports,
• wetland determination data forms, functional assessment forms, and other environmental data forms,
• plant identification,
• upload electronic field data to a variety of file sharing platforms,
• plan and prep for the next day’s field surveys,
• this could entail reviewing Google Earth, planning driving routes to get to survey areas, reviewing survey permissions, downloading maps, checking weather forecast, prepping field gear, etc.  
• Strong technical writing skills to assist with and/or lead writing wetland delineation and natural resource reports, due diligence reports, and other environmental-related documents.

Personal

• Be a proactive member of the biological survey team – ask questions, communicate openly and regularly, make observations/suggestions, learn new skills on the job, be helpful.
• Ability and desire to foster a sense of “team” within the company as we grow.
• Ability to mentor field technicians and take responsibility for training technicians in proper field survey techniques, plant identification, post-survey data QA/QC, etc.
• Passion for natural resource field work, interest in learning more about wetland ecology and how to identify plants and wildlife in a variety of eco-regions.
• Utilize critical thinking skills.
• Driven by integrity.
• Strong organization skills and detail oriented.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Experience communicating with landowners and project proponents during field surveys.
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing workloads.
• Ability to work weekends, multiple week shifts away from home.

PREFERRED SKILLS: 

• 6+ years of experience with related skill sets
• PWS Certification or the experience/qualifications to be certified
• Avian nest clearance surveys
• Section 401/404 permitting and Section 7 permitting experience
• Section 10 permit holder
• FERC experience
• NEPA experience
• GIS experience
• Entrepreneurial spirit

EEO STATEMENT:

On Pointe Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, disability, military status, or other legally protected characteristics protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We value diversity and the skills, knowledge, and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions. Come as you are.  

Are you ready to join the On Pointe Consulting team?!

TO APPLY:

Please send us your resume with a cover letter stating why you are the best choice for this position to Liz Carner at liz@onpointe-llc.com.

Interviews will be conducted remotely, and references will be requested and checked before an offer of employment is made.

Closing Date:

Open continuous, but those applying by April 30, 2023 will be prioritized for anticipated May/June projects start dates.