About Zara

Our Mission: Defensible Science. On Time. On Budget.

We help clients comply with the ESA and other regulations by consistently providing high-quality, defensible research and documentation that is delivered on time and within budget. Our approachable, authentic team of experts is dedicated to navigating complex and evolving regulatory requirements so that our clients don’t have to.

Certified as a small business, but delivering big results.

Firm Permits & Certifications

  • Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) - South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) and North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) Certified

  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - Certified by City of Austin

  • Small Business Enterprise (SBE) - SCTRCA Certified

  • Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) - State of Texas Comptroller

  • Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE)

  • GSA Multiple Award Schedule Contractor (GSA MAS) - U.S. General Services Administration

  • Geoscience Firm - Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists 

TxDOT Precertifications

  • 2.3.1  Wetland Delineation

  • 2.4.1  Nationwide Permit

  • 2.5.1 Water Pollution Abatement Plan

  • 2.6.1  Protected Species Determination (habitat)

  • 2.6.2  Impact Evaluation Assessments

  • 2.6.3  Biological Surveys

  • 2.13.1  Hazardous Materials Initial Site Assessment

ENDANGERED SPECIES PERMITS

  • Golden-cheeked Warbler

  • Eurycea salamanders

  • Groundwater-obligate invertebrates

  • Karst Invertebrates

  • Freshwater Mussels (TX, OK, AR, LA)

  • Fish (blindcats, shiners, darters)

City of Austin Vendor

  • 91843  Environmental Consulting

  • 92533  Engineer Services, Professional

  • 92600  Environmental and Ecological Services

  • 92640  Ecological Services

  • 92652  Impact Studies, Environmental

  • 92683  Site Assessment, Environmental

  • 92690  Subsurface Testing, Environmental

  • 92696  Wetland Delineations (Incl. Assessments)

  • 95675  Scientific Research Services

  • 95825  Wildlife/Fish Management Services (Incl. Endangered)

  • 96119  Conservation and Resource Management

  • 96132  Environmental Impact Studies

  • 96246  Installation Services (Not Otherwise Classified)

  • 99226  Biological Testing Services

  • CS02010 Subsurface Investigation

Two people in outdoor gear and helmets rappelling down a muddy riverbank surrounded by green trees.

What people are saying about us

“Zara fills the niche of what I refer to as ‘extreme consultants.’ They set the standard for safety, quality, and creativity when asked to conduct surveys or assessments in challenging or hazardous conditions.”

— MEGAN LIND, Senior Principal/Practice Leader at Stantec

Let’s Put Our Experience to Work for You

Whether you're navigating environmental compliance, managing habitats, or just curious about your property, our expert team is ready to help.

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