Natural Resources Technician-On Call

About the Opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) is seeking a Natural Resources Technician – On Call to support environmental monitoring and field services projects in the Philadelphia office, with a primary focus on projects in and around northern Delaware. Applicants who are local to the area are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a temporary, hourly, on‑call (averages 19 hours or less a week, however could at times reach or exceed 40 hours a week) position, without medical benefits. Hours are variable and not guaranteed each week. SWCA will provide applicable training, rental vehicles, field equipment, and applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) for project work. Lodging and per diem will be provided for any approved overnight travel; hours over 40/week will be compensated for at time and a half pay.

This position will primarily support water quality compliance and monitoring programs at local industrial sites, including routine water quality sampling and related field activities. Additional responsibilities will include stormwater sampling and other environmental field support tasks as project needs arise. Because storm events and project schedules can be unpredictable, this role requires flexibility and availability for occasional early morning, evening, weekend, holiday, and weather‑dependent fieldwork. This work will involve working alone in potentially demanding conditions, at times.

This position is well suited for someone interested in gaining experience in environmental consulting, water quality monitoring, stormwater compliance, and natural resources fieldwork while working with a collaborative team of scientists and project managers. Based on project needs, performance, and candidate interest, additional opportunities may become available to support a variety of environmental projects throughout the region.

Application Deadline: Application materials due at 5:00 PM EDT on July 13, 2026 .

What you will accomplish

• Conduct water quality and stormwater sampling in accordance with established scientific and regulatory protocols.
• Support dredge discharge monitoring activities associated with industrial and refinery operations.
• Operate and maintain field sampling equipment, including water quality meters, ISCO composite samplers, pumps, and related monitoring equipment.
• Collect, document, process, package, and ship environmental samples following laboratory and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Accurately record field observations and environmental data using field forms, tablets, GPS units, and other data collection tools.
• Support additional environmental field efforts as needed, which may include:
  • Wetland delineation assistance
  • Biological surveys or construction monitoring
  • Supporting Natural Resources field studies
  • Data entry and support for technical field reports
  • Research and data analysis to support natural resources
• Work safely in outdoor environments and around industrial facilities while following SWCA and client safety requirements.
• Coordinate with project managers and team members to support successful project execution.
• Conduct fieldwork and operate 4WD vehicles in all terrain and weather conditions following safety protocols.
• Gain certifications to work with hazardous materials and at industrial sites.

Experience and Qualifications for Success

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience performing outdoor field work, labor‑intensive work, environmental sampling, or related activities.
• Comfortable working around industrial facilities and active construction or operational environments.
• Ability to pass fit‑for‑duty requirements, including drug and alcohol screening and background checks required for industrial site access.
• Ability to work independently in the field and maintain clear communication with project managers and team members.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying weather conditions and safely lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Flexibility to support occasional weekends, holidays, and weather‑dependent stormwater sampling events.
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.
• Ability and willingness to operate rental vehicles for field assignments.
• Ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads.
• Willingness to travel for field efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework, degree progress, or professional experience in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resources, Water Resources, Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Wetland Ecology, Economics, or a related field.
• Previous experience collecting water quality or stormwater samples.
• Experience operating or programming ISCO composite samplers or other automated sampling equipment.
• Experience working at industrial sites or under health and safety compliance programs.
• Current HAZWOPER 10‑hour or 40‑hour certification.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.
• Candidates located within approximately 30–50 minutes of Delaware City, DE are preferred due to the time‑sensitive nature of some sampling events.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and ability to collect accurate, defensible field data.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn and apply environmental monitoring protocols and safety procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to adapt to changing project schedules and priorities.
• Mechanical aptitude or willingness to learn basic troubleshooting and maintenance of field equipment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in team settings.
• Commitment to safe work practices and professional conduct in the field.

Why Work at SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee‑owned firm, providing a full‑spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News‑Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require a confidential conversation related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact us at or call 1‑480‑581‑5378. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Philadelphia‑based position can expect a rate of $20.20/hour to $26.75/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award‑winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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