Assistant Scientist - Transmission Construction Monitoring

Job Description

Welcome to Olsson's Energy Environmental team, where innovation meets sustainability. Our team of scientists and biologists supports the continued growth of our Energy Market and helps our clients expand energy infrastructure to meet the country's growing demand. We are seeking an Assistant Scientist to be dedicated to a transmission line project in central to western Nebraska for the duration of construction, an anticipated commitment of 18 to 24 months after which the role will become position that combines in-office reporting and a variety of field work. In this role, you will serve as the on-the-ground environmental presence for the project, helping ensure construction activities stay in compliance with permit conditions, environmental commitments, and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with contractors, construction managers, and Olsson project staff, and you will have mentorship and support from experienced scientists and project managers throughout the assignment. This is a great opportunity to build hands-on field and regulatory compliance experience on a major infrastructure project.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the dedicated environmental monitor for transmission line construction, conducting regular site inspections to verify work is performed in accordance with permit conditions, environmental commitments, and project plans.
• Monitor construction activities in and near wetlands, streams, and other aquatic resources to confirm that avoidance and minimization measures, work area limits, and Clean Water Act (Section 404 and 401) permit conditions are followed.
• Conduct stormwater and erosion and sediment control (SWPPP/ESC) oversight audits reviewing routine inspection documentation and documenting corrective actions.
• Support compliance with wildlife and habitat requirements, which may include nesting bird, threatened and endangered species, and seasonal restriction monitoring.
• Monitor for inadvertent discoveries and implement project protocols, coordinating with Olsson project staff and the client as needed.
• Prepare daily and weekly field reports, photo logs, and compliance summaries, and process and QA/QC field data using GIS and mobile data collection platforms.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with contractors, construction managers, inspectors, and client representatives, and escalate compliance issues to the Olsson project manager promptly.
• Support contractor environmental awareness training and the review of work plans, access routes, and work area boundaries ahead of construction.
• Support post-construction restoration and revegetation monitoring and contribute to closeout documentation and reporting.
• Work primarily in the field in all weather conditions and at multiple, changing work locations along the transmission line corridor. Overnight travel or temporary relocation may be needed, and a flexible schedule is required to match construction activity

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, or a related field.
• Ability and willingness to commit to the project for the anticipated 18 to 24 month construction duration. Schedule will include 10 weeks onsite, 2 weeks back in the office every quarter. Per diem and quarterly bonus will be given.
• 1+ years of relevant experience in environmental consulting, natural resources, or field biology. Construction monitoring or compliance inspection experience is preferred.
• Stormwater construction compliance inspections is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the confidence to work directly with contractors and construction crews and to communicate compliance concerns clearly and professionally.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, including accurate field documentation and timely reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently in the field while staying connected with the broader project team.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for outdoor fieldwork in all weather conditions, including the ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain and work in remote areas.

Preferred:

• Experience with stormwater compliance (SWPPP/ESC inspections), threatened and endangered species surveys, or avian surveys.
• Familiarity with linear utility or transmission line construction and typical construction sequencing.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Collector, or similar tools.
• Completion of OSHA 10 or other construction safety training, or willingness to complete it.
• Working knowledge of wetland and stream identification and Clean Water Act permit requirements (Section 404 and 401).
• Ability to identify native and invasive grassland, wetland, and riparian plant species of the Great Plains and Midwest.

Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for fieldwork.

#LI-DNP