Staff Biologist / Wetland Scientist

Groundbreaker. Game changer. Pioneer.

TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.

TRC's professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs -- so our clients can better succeed in an ever-changing world.

Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal and agile corporate structure. We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.

TRC is soliciting applications from highly motivated, qualified individuals to fill a mid-level Staff Biologist position reporting to our Raleigh or Charlotte, North Carolina Office. The Staff Biologist position would have an emphasis in environmental planning and permitting for a variety of projects and clients in the areas of renewable energy, power and delivery, transportation, oil & gas, and utilities development.

• Applicants must have the ability to conduct wetland delineations (per the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and applicable Regional Supplements), technical writing of Wetland Delineation reports and functional assessments as well as diverse biological field work with minimal supervision and have familiarity with Geode GNSS GPS receivers and GIS.
• Perform threatened and endangered species habitat assessments, environmental permitting, technical writing, and construction monitoring.
• Assist with a mix of biological natural resource related field and office tasks and assure each assignment follows the project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Conduct tasks related to environmental assessments that include but are not limited to renewable energy desktop and field-based assessments and reporting, critical issues analyses, development of permit matrices, various federal, state, and local agency coordination (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, development and preparation of project-specific application packages in accordance with applicable federal, state and local requirements.
• Perform field survey data management including: data entry and review, collecting and organizing field data, photologs, figure coordination, and technical QA/QC for deliverables.
• Experience performing environmental monitoring and SWPPP inspections for construction projects, interacting in the field with clients and other contractors, and managing budgets and schedules is a plus.
• The position may entail short-term and long-term field assignments; therefore, the candidate must be willing and physically able to travel and work outdoors in rough and remote terrain under challenging environmental conditions; and have a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• The successful applicant will have experience in preparing and/or managing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation.
• Work could also include project compliance management for QA/QC, budget and timeframe/milestone management, and proposal support.
• Complete work assignments with TRC’s commitment to quality s tandards.

• We seek appropriately qualified candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, botany, forestry, wildlife, fisheries, natural resources, wetland science or related field.
• This position is not required to physically report to a TRC office, but can be worked from various locations throughout VA, NC, or SC.
• Applicant should have knowledge and experience with Threatened and Endangered Species, Wetlands, Clean Waters Act (CWA) 401/404, Endangered Species Act (ESA), Rivers and Harbors Act 10/408, state and local planning and zoning ordinances.
• Have at least 3-7 years of relevant and associated body of work.
• Minimum of two (2) field seasons of wetland delineation experience.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills are mandatory.
• Ability to demonstrate organizational and management skills while concurrently working on multiple projects.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude during year-round field work.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining goals to help support the objectives of a larger team.
• Demonstrated project success, established credibility with local, state, and/or federal agencies and clients, and proposal success.
• Will have experience in conducting biological resource field surveys and the preparation of biological resource technical reports.
• Knowledge and/or experience with the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina threatened and endangered species and their natural communities and habitats.
• Understanding of GIS mapping and analysis in the context of biological resources studies.
• Experience with federal and state wetland and environmental permitting (401 Water Quality Certification, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the CWA, etc.). Candidates should have familiarity with key environmental federal and state statutes and regulations including the ESA, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, NEPA, CWA and State level natural heritage programs.
• Ability to interpret federal and state environmental laws (ESA, CWA, Virginia DEQ Coastal Zone Management Act, and NC DEQ Coastal Area Management Act).
• Previous NEPA experience is a plus.
• Work cohesively with multiple internal teams and various subject matter experts.
• General wildlife surveys and/or sensitive species protocol level wildlife surveys is a plus.
• Possess strong organizational and computer skills (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft PowerPoint).
• Ability to understand and observe scope, schedule, budget, and quality while meeting client needs.
• Experience with preparing technical reports and permit applications.
• Strong commitment to TRC’s safety commitment and established health & safety procedures.
• Possess a valid driver's license and driving record acceptable to TRC's insurance carrier.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or other state Wetland Scientist Certification, Professional Wetland Scientist Certification or Wetland Professional in Training.
• Knowledge of the following: Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern flora and fauna, plant species identification, wetland field delineation, natural resource inventory, construction-related erosion and sedimentation control practices, post-construction restoration monitoring, and wildlife habitat assessments.
• Preference will also be given to applicants that have experience working on energy, renewable energy and transmission, and transportation projects, as well as solid experience with Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina state and local permitting and siting.
• Local candidates in NC preferred.

Benefits * : TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
• Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
• All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
• TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.

*These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.

Compensation : In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.

TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The complete job description and application are available on TRC’s career site .

TRC accepts applications for this position on an ongoing, rolling basis and reserves the right to cancel this posting at any time.