Wetland Scientist II

About the Role

Copperhead Environmental Consulting, Inc. is seeking a full-time, salaried Wetland Scientist II, primarily based in Paint Lick, Kentucky office or hybrid in Asheville, NC. This role is dedicated to supporting a long-term client project and offers opportunities to engage with other projects during the interim and beyond. The position involves field data collection, research activities, routine maintenance and testing of equipment, and data entry. It is a hands-on role that requires regular travel with an expected 70% travel commitment for client meetings, company meetings, and fieldwork. This is not a remote position.

Candidates must be able to pass a background check and hold a valid driver’s license in good standing. Post-hire drug screening may be required depending on client contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland and stream delineations and botanical and hydrologic surveys in the field and prepare related reports.
• Apply scientific principles relevant to wetlands, demonstrating a moderate understanding of methodologies.
• Assist in preparation of Section 404/401 permits and related applications.
• Perform data collection, management, and analysis, maintaining field data, specimens, and samples carefully.
• Lead and organize field activities including equipment packing, maintenance, and transportation.
• Understand project objectives and deliverable requirements and contribute to drafting and reviewing reports with quality control feedback.
• Ensure adherence to company and safety protocols during fieldwork.
• Collaborate effectively within the team, coordinating members as needed and communicating technical information clearly both orally and in writing.
• Critically assess scientific procedures and data; identify potential improvements.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

Project Management

• Comprehend scope of work, identify out-of-scope activities and alert supervisors accordingly.
• Track project deadlines relating to assigned tasks and complete work products punctually.
• Provide status updates and maintain communication with team members.

Business Development

• Develop professional networks and participate in presentations, trade shows, and conferences where relevant.
• Support proposal preparation with technical expertise.
• Demonstrate basic familiarity with business development concepts.

Leadership and Professional Conduct

• Supervise field teams onsite, promote operational improvements, and reduce turnaround times while maintaining high customer service quality.
• Engage in lifelong learning through training, workshops, conferences, and mentorship.
• Train new staff and support ongoing staff development.

Financial Responsibility

• Understand accurate timekeeping importance for project budgeting and performance.
• Assist management in tracking deadlines and resource utilization to maintain project profitability.

Client Interaction

• Engage professionally with clients and internal teams, assisting with scheduling and upholding company values focused on conservation and environmental innovation.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 years total professional experience, including 2 to 5 years progressively responsible wetland delineation experience.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act (Sections 404/401), Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
• Completion of an approved wetland delineation course recognized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program or equivalent certification.
• Experience conducting field surveys for federally or state-listed species.
• Certification as a Wetland Professional In-Training (WPIT) by the Society of Wetlands Scientists; QHP or QHP-IT certification in Tennessee highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, biology, ecology, botany, or a closely related discipline.