Animal Scientist jobs in Illinois

Tetra Tech, Inc. is currently seeking applicants for full-time entry level field biologists/wetland scientists in our Collinsville, Illinois office. Work schedule will be variable, with 40 hours per week minimum; hours worked could range from 40-80 hours a week depending on amount of office or field hours. Tetra Tech maintains a professional and team-oriented work environment. This position requires US citizenship due to the clients we serve.

Discover your full potential. At Tetra Tech, we are collaborating with industry-leading experts for a sustainable future for our world. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our innovation hubs across the globe will enable you to share ideas and best practices while growing your professional network. Wherever you are in your career journey, you will benefit from working with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.

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Your Role:

The person selected for this position will be responsible for assisting with fieldwork and report preparation associated with wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat characterizations, ecological monitoring, and rare species surveys. The candidate will support mid to senior-level staff and senior Project Managers with environmental field surveys and report writing. Candidate will be required to function as a junior-level biologist for projects with a wetland or ecological services component (e.g., wetland identification, delineation, and functional assessments; Section 401/404 permit support; wetland/stream mitigation design and monitoring, habitat surveys and characterizations, raptor nest surveys, endangered and threatened species surveys).  Substantial travel required up to 75% or more – regionally and possibly within the continental U.S.; Generally field deployments of 10 days or less. 
Responsibilities may include:

•    Assist in performing wetland identification, delineation, and functional assessment investigations in accordance with the USACE 1987 Manual and Regional Supplements. 
•    Assist in performing habitat surveys and characterization and mapping.
•    Prepare associated data sheets and wetland reports.
•    Assist in performing raptor nest surveys and migratory bird surveys. 
•    Assist in performing endangered and threatened species surveys.
•    Assist with data compilation and analysis, report writing, permit application preparation, plant community mapping, and database management.

Qualifications:

•    BS degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Wildlife or Natural Resources with 0 to 1 years of experience.
•    MS Degree in Biology is preferred, Environmental Sciences, Wildlife or Natural Resources with 0 to 1 years of experience.

•    Basic skills in field identification of vegetation and wildlife.
•    Specialized expertise may be in environmental, terrestrial, wetland, or wildlife sciences.
•    Demonstrated ability in field data collection and analysis, and technical writing.
•    Working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS products.
•    Strong oral and written communication/interpersonal skills is a must.  
•    Comfortable in harsh weather conditions (i.e., extreme heat and cold, high winds, all forms of precipitation) and physically capable of extensive walking to survey points. Experience with 4WD vehicles is preferred, must possess a valid driver's license in good standing; ability to pass MVR record check is required.
•    Skilled use of compass, topographic maps, GPS unit, tablet, and other field equipment is preferred but not required.
•    Must be capable of following instructions from other Tetra Tech staff and collect precise and thorough data.
•    The ability to maintain positive attitude and to accept guidance. 
•    Able to work independently and as a part of a team, and interact positively with project manager, site personnel, client, and members of the public.
•    Must have flexibility in scheduling due to changing field conditions.