Aquatic Ecologist/Freshwater Mussel Specialist

Aquatic Ecologist | Freshwater Mussel Specialist

About the Role:

Landhawk Consulting LLC is seeking motivated and experienced mid-level Aquatic Ecologists / Freshwater Mussel Specialists to support ongoing aquatic resource investigations, threatened and endangered species surveys, and environmental compliance projects throughout South Texas, with a primary focus on the Laredo region and adjacent watersheds.

The successful candidate will support freshwater mussel surveys, relocation efforts, habitat assessments, and environmental compliance monitoring associated with riverine and riparian systems in South Texas. Current and anticipated projects primarily involve environmental compliance support and biological monitoring associated with linear infrastructure projects, including activities occurring adjacent to and over water within active river corridors and riparian environments.

This position will focus heavily on aquatic threatened and endangered species within the Rio Grande basin and tributary systems near Laredo, including the Texas hornshell ( Popenaias popeii ), Mexican fawnsfoot ( Truncilla cognata ), and Salina mucket ( Potamilus metnecktayi ). Responsibilities may include species identification support, relocation monitoring, habitat suitability evaluations, aquatic resource documentation, and coordination with project teams to support environmental compliance requirements during active construction activities.

Preference will be given to candidates with direct experience conducting freshwater mussel identification surveys, relocation efforts, habitat suitability evaluations, species monitoring, or environmental compliance support within Texas river systems. Experience working with aquatic threatened and endangered species and projects involving linear infrastructure crossings, riparian access, and in stream monitoring is highly desirable.

Federal or state freshwater mussel permit holder status is not required for this position. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant professional experience involving freshwater mussel surveys, identification, relocation support, aquatic habitat assessments, or environmental compliance monitoring associated with aquatic threatened and endangered species.

Location:

This position is based in Laredo, Texas, with field assignments occurring throughout South Texas and nearby river systems. Landhawk Consulting may hire for several long-term positions in support of ongoing and anticipated aquatic resource projects within the region. Preference will be given to candidates residing within or willing to relocate to the Laredo area and surrounding South Texas communities. Long-term housing accommodations or rotational field schedules may be considered for qualified candidates depending on project needs, staffing demands, and project duration.

Schedule:

Field schedules will generally aim to maintain routine Monday through Friday operations; however, assignments may include rotational schedules aligned with active construction activities, including standard 10 days on and 4 days off rotations, extended field deployments, weekend surveys, and emergency response activities as needed.

Employment Type:

Full Time

Responsibilities:

• Provide on-site monitoring support during active construction activities occurring adjacent to or within aquatic and riparian environments

• Identify freshwater mussel species encountered within project areas and determine whether observed species are threatened, endangered, proposed, or otherwise sensitive

• Evaluate and recommend appropriate relocation areas outside active construction zones based on environmental conditions, including substrate composition, water velocity, depth, stability, and habitat suitability

• Communicate species observations, proposed relocation areas, and relocation recommendations with Landhawk project managers and project stakeholders prior to relocation activities whenever feasible and safe to do so

• Support implementation of proper freshwater mussel handling, relocation, and documentation procedures consistent with applicable environmental requirements and species protection measures

• Maintain situational awareness and adhere to all applicable safety procedures, PPE requirements, and river access protocols during monitoring and relocation-related activities

• Prepare technical documentation summarizing species observations, relocation recommendations, environmental conditions, and compliance-related monitoring activities

· Independently evaluate field conditions and make practical recommendations regarding freshwater mussel protection, relocation suitability, and environmental compliance considerations

· Support environmental compliance monitoring associated with CBP and other linear infrastructure projects involving active construction near aquatic and riparian environments

Minimum Qualifications:

· Minimum of five years of relevant professional aquatic ecology or freshwater mussel experience

· Bachelor’s degree in biology, aquatic ecology, environmental science, fisheries, wildlife management, or a closely related field preferred

· Strong freshwater mussel identification skills

· Ability to work independently with limited supervision in remote field settings

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Excellent technical writing and documentation abilities

· Ability to work long field days in high-temperature South Texas conditions

· Comfortable working within rivers, riparian corridors, and uneven terrain

· Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and clean driving record

· Ability to travel for extended or multi-day assignments as needed

· Ability to begin work immediately is strongly preferred

· • Experience working safely around active construction equipment, moving water, uneven substrates, and remote field conditions

Preferred Experience:

• Texas hornshell ( Popenaias popeii ) survey, relocation, or habitat assessment experience

• Mexican fawnsfoot ( Truncilla cognata ) survey, identification, relocation, or habitat assessment experience

• Salina mucket ( Potamilus metnecktayi ) survey, identification, relocation, or habitat assessment experience

• Experience with additional freshwater mussel species occurring within South Texas and the Rio Grande basin

• Familiarity with proposed and designated critical habitat areas associated with freshwater mussel species in the Laredo region

• Familiarity with TPWD, USFWS, and ESA coordination procedures

• Experience conducting aquatic habitat assessments and evaluating substrate, flow, and water quality conditions

• Experience supporting environmental compliance during in-stream or riparian construction activities

• Knowledge of freshwater mussel handling protocols, relocation procedures, and species protection measures

Work Environment:

This position supports projects occurring throughout South Texas and the Rio Grande basin, with a primary emphasis on the Laredo region and associated river systems. Field assignments may involve extended hours, travel, remote access locations, and work within active waterways or rugged riparian terrain.

The role requires a high level of independence, professionalism, and situational awareness while conducting aquatic surveys and environmental compliance work in dynamic field environments.

Compensation and Benefits:

· Competitive hourly or salaried compensation based on experience

· Potential housing accommodations or rotational scheduling for long-term assignments

· Paid travel time, mileage reimbursement, and applicable per diem

· Opportunities for advancement and professional development

· Opportunity to contribute to aquatic conservation and environmental compliance projects throughout Texas and the Southwest

Application Requirements:

· Resume or CV detailing freshwater mussel and aquatic ecology experience

· List of relevant species survey and relocation experience

· Examples of technical reports, survey summaries, or project involvement if available

· Professional references familiar with aquatic field experience and environmental compliance work

About Landhawk Consulting:

Founded in 2012, Landhawk Consulting LLC is a multidisciplinary environmental consulting firm providing services across Texas and the greater Southwest. Our team includes aquatic ecologists, wildlife biologists, archaeologists, environmental scientists, and permitting specialists who support infrastructure, compliance, restoration, and conservation projects for public and private clients.

We are committed to delivering high-quality, defensible work products while fostering professionalism, mentorship, and scientific excellence across our team.