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.

SWCA, Inc. jobs

Natural Resources Technician-On Call