Senior Ecologist
Overview
RES is the nation’s largest and most experienced provider of ecological restoration and water resource solutions. To date, we have restored over 328 stream miles, 58,024 wetland acres, and rehabilitated, preserved, and/or managed over 15,000 acres of special-status species habitats. RES operations include planting over 17,400,000 restorative trees and reducing over 267 tons of polluting nutrients. RES navigates and streamlines the environmental permitting process with solutions that balance economic development and ecological sustainability through the establishment of mitigation/conservation banks, permittee responsible turnkey mitigation, and corporate social responsibility project.
The Senior Ecologist is charged with executing advanced ecological projects with mastery and efficacy. This position must exhibit a strong foundational understanding of ecology along with leadership skills and business acumen. The Senior Ecologist will have broad knowledge and subject matter depth in a wide range of ecologically-related disciplines such as soils, water, plants, and animals. This position will help win new projects, maintain client relationships, mentor staff, manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables; and communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Applies strategies for sampling and surveying, including use of GIS, GPS, aerial photography, records and maps.
- Analyzes, interprets, and records data in specialist or other software programs and according to industry standards.
- Direct experience with state and federal environmental regulations and permitting processes, specifically, experience with 404/401/CZC regulations and permitting/certification processes. Knowledge of state and federal endangered species programs.
- Advanced knowledge/expertise in local and regional flora and fauna and ecological systems. Highly skilled at plant ID and/or may specialize in a more specific facet of ecology such as T&E species, soils, wetlands, or stream morphology. Ability to hold leadership position in technical professional association (e.g. SWS, SER, Regional species technical working groups, functional protocol advisory committees, etc.).
- Demonstrates advanced technical expertise and has ability to transfer knowledge and guidance on ecologically-related projects throughout the company.
- Directs and contributes to field work, data entry and analysis, reports and other aspects of projects.
- Prepares or directs preparation and modification of reports, specifications, restoration plans, natural resources assessments and management plans and designs for project.
- Participates in company-wide business development activities which may include: soliciting and preparing proposals for new work by calling on prospective clients, coordinating proposal presentation with other company personnel, preparing proposals and bids for publicly-advertised projects, reviewing and preparing contracts, and approving billings for work completed.
- Develops new opportunities for the local office and others within the company by connecting with new and existing customers.
- Establishes and promotes excellent working relationships with clients and customers, outside services, and with outside public and governmental bodies.
- Makes client requirements consistent with internal services, marketing department, cross-divisional team members, and accounting staff, etc. to provide excellent and accountable customer service.
- Manages ecological projects and associated clients, company personnel, equipment, and other resources.
- Prepares ecological studies and recommendation documents, including ecological design, scientific reports, and other products.
- Successfully operates as (or executes the instructions of) the project director and project manager for specific project tasks. Demonstrates project management proficiency with ability to leverage resources for operational optimization.
- Coordinates, advises, and collaborates with others in the field, including company personnel, site managers, planners, members of the public, and others as needed or directed.
- Participates in creative problem solving for projects and improves processes for data gathering, assessments, analysis, reporting, team coordination, and project management.
- Effectively communicates with administrative and other company personnel regarding financial, clerical, and other issues relating to project management and processes.
- Maintains accurate records of time and expenses in the company’s information management system, prepares accurate and timely invoices, adheres to company SOPs, and performs other administrative requirements as required.
- Represents the company in a professional manner.
- Meets or exceeds billable goal and sales expectations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in ecology or related field and 6-8 years of experience in ecological profession with leadership responsibility (required)
- Master’s Degree in ecology or related field and 4-6 years of professional experience with leadership responsibility (preferred)
- Demonstrated ecological identification skills, including plants, animals, ecological communities, soils, and others as necessary.
- Ability to execute field data collection procedures including the operation of GIS and GPS equipment.
- Thorough understanding of restoration ecology theory, principles and practices and ability to apply to projects.
- Native landscape design experience.
- Demonstrated ability to perform professional ecological work, such as independent studies, complex data analyses, and formulation and testing of hypotheses.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
RES is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.