Senior Wetland Scientist I

About Copperhead Environmental Consulting, Inc.

Copperhead Environmental Consulting, Inc. is a comprehensive environmental consultancy founded in 2004 and based in the historic village of Paint Lick, Kentucky. With additional offices in Lexington, KY; Colorado; North Carolina; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; Tennessee; Virginia; and West Virginia, Copperhead provides services for government, commercial, and private clients focusing on environmental compliance. Their diverse team includes experts such as aquatic resource managers, wetland and avian biologists, environmental planners, NEPA specialists, foresters, pilots, SCUBA divers, and malacologists. The firm is committed to delivering top-quality services, driven by their passion for nature and environmental stewardship.

Role Overview

The Senior Wetland Scientist I position involves leading support for restoration projects, rare species surveys, and aquatic resource delineations primarily in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains and other areas within Copperhead's service region. Candidates must pass a criminal background screening and hold a valid driver's license with a good record. Post-employment drug testing may be required depending on project demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply advanced scientific knowledge and implementation techniques specific to wetlands and related ecological areas.
• Oversee the collection, management, and analysis of field data, specimens, and samples, ensuring integrity and proper maintenance.
• Lead and organize field operations while ensuring adherence to company and safety policies.
• Author, edit, and finalize detailed reports ensuring alignment with client expectations and regulatory standards; maintain communication with clients and agencies regarding deliverables.
• Coordinate efforts with multidisciplinary teams and provide technical guidance both verbally and in written form.
• Continuously seek and utilize novel technologies and scientific methods to develop effective client solutions.
• Define project scope, monitor scope changes, and manage additional service pricing and approvals.
• Communicate scope or schedule alterations to clients and maintain project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Lead kickoff meetings, supervise subcontractors, and ensure timely and quality project completion.
• Manage team members including scientists and technicians, conduct performance reviews, approve timesheets, and assist with invoicing.
• Drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and elevate customer service quality.
• Mentor and train new staff members and participate in formal mentoring programs.
• Engage in business development through networking, proposal development, and client relationship building, providing complex technical advice.
• Oversee financial tasks including timekeeping monitoring, invoicing scheduling, account collections, subcontractor follow-ups, and profitability tracking.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience or equivalent educational and experiential background.
• Bachelor's degree required; a master's degree in a science-related field is preferred.
• Possession of USFWS and State Wildlife/Plant Permits along with discipline-specific certifications such as Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) and Qualified Habitat Professional-Invasive Terrestrial (QHP-IT) or comparable state certifications is preferred.
• Strong proficiency in software including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Earth, Adobe, Ajera, and ArcGIS.
• Valid driver's license in good standing is mandatory.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Additional coverage options for accident, cancer, and critical illnesses.
• Generous paid time off and company-observed holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with traditional and Roth options.