Careers
Our Culture
At Zara, we work hard, we work together, and we keep our promises. We value experience and expertise over job titles, and we bring a high standard of excellence to our work every day. We are intentional about doing work that stands up to scrutiny and strive daily for deeper expertise in our field.
Trust is foundational to how we operate, within our team and between staff and leadership. We show up for each other through clear communication, thoughtful prioritization, and a shared responsibility to step in when workloads get heavy. We put in long days when the work requires it, and we take time off to recharge so burnout does not become part of the job description.
Our atmosphere is relaxed, respectful, and grounded in mutual trust. We offer casual attire, flexible hours, and the confidence that comes from knowing people are supported and empowered to do their best work.
If this sounds like a place you would thrive, keep reading.
Join Our Team of Texas-Based Scientists Committed to Conservation and Compliance
What We Need Most Right Now
We are always glad to hear from strong generalists, but these four profiles are where we have real, current demand. If one of them is you, this is your sign to apply today.
Vertically proficient cavers. You are comfortable on rope: rigging, ascending, descending, and changeovers in real caves, not just at the practice wall. Formal vertical training (NSS, NCRC, or equivalent) is preferred, and demonstrated time underground on rope matters most.
Permitted karst invertebrate biologists. You can identify Central Texas karst invertebrates in the field and you hold, or are named on, a current USFWS Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit for listed karst species. If you have the ID skills and are working toward the permit, we still want to hear from you.
Divers with advanced certifications. Advanced Open Water or higher is the floor. Our dive work is freshwater mussel survey and relocation in rivers with zero visibility, so an instructor certification, dry suit experience, or full face mask experience is what moves you to the top of the list.
Marine wildlife monitors in the Galveston area. On-site construction monitoring for marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species along the upper Texas coast. This is in-person, on-site work. If you live within commuting distance of Galveston and have field observation experience, we have work for you.
What We Need From Everyone, Regardless of Role
Texas-based. You live in Texas. Our work is here, and so is our team.
Fluent in Microsoft Office. You are comfortable and efficient in Word, Outlook, and Excel. Not expert-level macros, just solid day-to-day competence.
Flexible with your hours. Our work ebbs and flows with the field season and project schedules. Some weeks are full time, some weeks are part time, and you are okay with that rhythm.
A strong communicator who can work hybrid. Most of our team works remotely, so clear, proactive communication matters a lot. Hybrid means you come into the San Marcos office at least once a month. (Field-only positions such as marine monitoring are on-site rather than hybrid.)
Preferred Technical Depth (one or more of the following)
Karst invertebrate survey, habitat evaluation, and permit compliance; vertical competency
Advanced SCUBA (zero-visibility, dry suit, full face mask, hookah) and/or freshwater mussel survey
Marine wildlife observation
Bat survey techniques and/or permits
Golden-cheeked Warbler survey experience and permit
Edwards Aquifer geology, characterization of recharge features, geologic assessments, and/or Texas Professional Geoscientist (PG) license or GIT
Biological Assessments or other ESA Section 7 or NEPA documentation
Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments; TxDOT ISAs
Wetland delineation and Section 404 permitting
How We Work
We are a small company and we are not looking for anyone to operate in a silo. Depending on workload, you may support Phase I ESAs, wetland delineations, species surveys, karst investigations, diving operations, hydrogeologic assessments, or regulatory documentation, possibly all in the same week. We value versatility and see breadth as a strength.
Our fieldwork can be physically demanding and occasionally uncomfortable. We prioritize safety, professionalism, and regulatory credibility. We are collaborative, direct, and solutions-oriented.
If you prefer highly repetitive work or rigid role boundaries, this is likely not the right fit.
Tell Us About Yourself
We are not looking for someone to fill a box. We are looking for people who want to grow into long-term technical leaders in complex Texas environmental consulting. If you bring depth, adaptability, and field credibility, we want to talk.
We read every application. Because we are a small team, we can only follow up with applicants we would like to interview. If you do not hear from us, it means we did not have a fit at the time, and we keep applications on file for future openings.
