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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Wetland Assistant

💰 $35,000 - $55,000

Environmental ScienceField TechnicianWetlandsRestorationEcology

🎯 Role Definition

The Wetland Assistant supports wetland science, monitoring, delineation, and restoration projects by performing field data collection, sample processing, preliminary data analysis, and logistical tasks under the supervision of senior wetland scientists and project managers. This role ensures high-quality ecological data collection, regulatory compliance support, and on-site restoration implementation across freshwater and coastal wetland systems. Core activities include wetland delineations, vegetation and soil surveys, water quality monitoring, GIS mapping support, and preparation of technical documentation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Environmental Field Technician or Seasonal Field Technician
  • Environmental Science or Ecology Intern
  • Restoration or Habitat Technician

Advancement To:

  • Wetland Scientist / Wetland Specialist
  • Field Supervisor or Senior Field Technician
  • Environmental Consultant or Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • GIS Technician focused on ecological mapping
  • Restoration Project Coordinator
  • Water Quality Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct wetland delineations and vegetation community assessments in accordance with federal, state, and local protocols (e.g., Clean Water Act Section 404, regional wetland manuals) while accurately recording GPS locations, transects, and field notes for regulatory submittals.
  • Perform routine and specialized field sampling of soils, surface water, groundwater, and vegetation using standardized sampling methods, ensuring proper chain-of-custody documentation and preservation for laboratory analysis.
  • Identify wetland indicator plants, common native and invasive species, and dominant plant communities in a variety of freshwater and coastal wetland habitats, and compile species lists for technical reports.
  • Collect hydrologic measurements including monitoring well depth readings, piezometer installation checks, water table elevations, discharge measurements, and surface water stage readings to support hydrology assessments.
  • Operate and maintain field instrumentation such as GPS units, YSI multiparameter sondes, turbidity meters, dissolved oxygen probes, conductivity meters, and automated data loggers, performing routine calibration and troubleshooting.
  • Execute benthic macroinvertebrate and biological monitoring surveys following EPA, state, or targeted protocols to assess ecological condition and support permit compliance or restoration performance monitoring.
  • Assist in implementation and monitoring of wetland restoration and mitigation projects, including planting native species, installing erosion control measures, and conducting survival and performance monitoring of mitigation sites.
  • Support environmental permitting and regulatory coordination by preparing field data packages, annotated maps, photographs, and draft sections of wetland delineation reports or permit application exhibits.
  • Enter, curate, and quality-assure field data in spreadsheets and databases, perform basic data validation and summary statistics, and prepare initial graphs, tables, and maps to support senior staff.
  • Produce high-quality field maps, plots, and GIS deliverables by compiling field-collected GPS points, delineation polygons, sample locations, and imagery in ArcGIS or QGIS under guidance.
  • Conduct baseline ecological surveys including habitat assessments, wildlife and bird presence/absence observations, and rare species reconnaissance to inform project planning and environmental review.
  • Maintain field vehicle and equipment inventories, perform preventative maintenance, ensure proper storage and transport of samples, and manage field supplies to support efficient deployment of field teams.
  • Adhere to health and safety plans (HASP), project-specific safety protocols, and client safety requirements; maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) and participate in safety briefings and incident reporting.
  • Coordinate site access logistics by contacting landowners, securing permissions, scheduling field visits, and documenting access agreements and site-specific constraints.
  • Support laboratory interactions by preparing samples for shipment, tracking sample chain-of-custody, and following up on analytical results for incorporation into project deliverables.
  • Prepare photographic documentation, time-stamped field logs, and redline sketched maps to create defensible records for monitoring, permit compliance, and stakeholder communication.
  • Assist in construction oversight during restoration or mitigation implementation by observing contractor work, documenting progress, and reporting non-conformances relative to restoration plans.
  • Conduct quality control checks on field and lab data, flag anomalies, coordinate re-sampling when required, and communicate data quality issues promptly to supervising scientists.
  • Participate in public outreach, site tours, and stakeholder meetings to explain monitoring approaches, restoration objectives, and project constraints in clear, non-technical language.
  • Mentor and train seasonal technicians and interns in field sampling protocols, data recording standards, safety practices, and species identification to build team capacity and consistency.
  • Support grant-funded and research projects by tracking deliverables, assisting with literature reviews, compiling citations, and preparing sections of technical memoranda or monitoring reports as assigned.
  • Assist with remote sensing and aerial imagery interpretation (orthophotos, LiDAR) to identify wetland boundaries, vegetative changes, and restoration success indicators for mapping and reporting purposes.
  • Maintain accurate timekeeping, expense tracking, and field-trip logistics documentation to support project invoicing and resource allocation.

Secondary Functions

  • Support GIS analysts by cleaning spatial datasets, digitizing field-surveyed boundaries, and producing simple map layouts for regulatory submittals and presentations.
  • Assist project managers with project scheduling, material procurement for restoration activities, and maintaining equipment calibration logs.
  • Participate in community outreach and educational events, presenting monitoring results and restoration progress to local stakeholders, schools, and conservation partners.
  • Contribute to development and refinement of field SOPs, health & safety plans, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checklists.
  • Help prepare proposals, scopes of work, and field cost estimates by providing realistic time and labor estimates based on field experience.
  • Support data analysis tasks using basic scripting (Excel formulas, R, or Python) for data cleaning, plotting, and summary statistics as requested by senior staff.
  • Assist in maintaining certifications, permits, and training records (e.g., First Aid/CPR, boat operator certification, pesticide applicator where applicable).
  • Perform light equipment operation (e.g., small boats, outboard motors, ATVs) after required training and under supervisor authorization to access remote sites.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Wetland delineation techniques and familiarity with regional/state wetland manuals and regulatory criteria
  • Native and invasive plant identification for wetland and riparian systems (field-level proficiency)
  • Soil description and sampling (Munsell color charts, texture, redoximorphic features, soil pit/surface sampling)
  • Surface and groundwater sampling protocols, sample preservation, and chain-of-custody procedures
  • Operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of field instruments: multiparameter sondes, turbidity meters, GPS/GNSS units, data loggers
  • GIS mapping and spatial data management using ArcGIS Pro or QGIS (digitizing, geoprocessing, map layouts)
  • Basic water quality laboratory knowledge and experience preparing samples for lab analysis (TP, TN, TSS, metals)
  • Field safety competencies: HASP, PPE use, First Aid/CPR, confined space awareness where applicable
  • Data entry, QA/QC procedures, and experience managing environmental data in Excel, Access, or field data apps (e.g., Collector, Survey123)
  • Familiarity with environmental permitting processes and regulatory reporting (Clean Water Act, state wetland permitting)
  • Boat handling, small craft operation, ATV/UTV experience for accessing remote wetlands (where applicable)
  • Basic scripting or data analysis skills (R, Python, or advanced Excel) for plotting, summary statistics, and initial QA/QC
  • Experience with remote sensing products (orthophotos, LiDAR) for wetland classification and change detection

Soft Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear field notes, technical writing, and stakeholder interaction
  • Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy in high-variability field conditions
  • Team-oriented mindset with experience working in small, multi-disciplinary field crews
  • Problem solving and adaptability when confronting access constraints, weather, or unexpected field conditions
  • Time management and ability to balance multiple projects, field schedules, and documentation deadlines
  • Physical stamina and comfort working outdoors in varied terrain and weather (wading, hiking, carrying equipment)
  • Professionalism and client-facing demeanor when representing the firm on-site and in meetings
  • Willingness to learn, take direction, and progressively assume increased technical responsibility
  • Cultural sensitivity and respect when interacting with landowners, indigenous communities, and other stakeholders
  • Strong organizational skills for maintaining equipment inventories, sample logs, and field resources

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resources, or related technical field with relevant field experience
  • OR High school diploma plus 1–3 years of related field experience and demonstrable competencies

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource Management, Hydrology, Botany, or closely related discipline

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Biology
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Hydrology
  • Botany

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years (entry-level to early-career Wetland Assistant). Seasonal applicants with strong field experience are encouraged.

Preferred:

  • 1–3 years of practical field experience performing wetland delineations, ecological monitoring, restoration work, or similar field sampling.
  • Experience with GIS mapping and basic data management.
  • Valid driver’s license; boat, ATV, or field-vehicle certifications as required by the employer.
  • Preferred certifications: First Aid/CPR, OSHA 10/30 (site-dependent), pesticide applicator or other project-specific credentials.
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