Ecologist job description

**Job Summary**

**AECOM** is seeking an Ecologist to be based in Atlanta, GA.

This position is expected to begin in August 2022.

**At AECOM, we're delivering a better world.**

We believe infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone. Whether it's improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive.

Our clients trust us to bring together the best people, ideas, technical expertise and digital solutions to our work in transportation, buildings, water, the environment and new energy. We're one global team - 47,000 strong - driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world.

**Here, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.**

We will give you the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you're working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion - a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

We will encourage you to grow and develop your career with us through our technical and professional development programs and diverse career opportunities. We believe in leadership at all levels. No matter where you sit in the organization you can make a lasting impact on the projects you work on, the teams and committees you join and our business.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, well-being programs to support you and your family, and the development resources you need to advance your career.

When you join us, you will connect and collaborate with a global network of experts - planners, designers, engineers, scientists, consultants, program and construction managers - leading the change toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Join us and let's get started.

**The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:**

+ Plans and performs unsupervised field tasks, such as wetland and stream surveys, and surveys for suitable habitat and presence of protected species.

+ Gathers data and other information to be used in the preparation of environmental reports; compiles and organizes data collected by others.

+ Prepares data and scientific documents to include maps/figures, technical reports, assessments of effects, agency coordination, in support of NEPA documents.

+ Utilizes basic scientific principles, theories, practices, and existing technologies to develop solutions for technical problems with limited scope.

+ Works under limited supervision and completes complex tasks with minimal supervision.

+ Provide support and mentorship for junior staff.

+ Assists leadership staff with business development for the Transportation Group.

**Minimum Requirements**

+ Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources or related field with six (6) years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

**Preferred Qualifications**

+ 5 or more years of experience in surveying wetlands and streams using USACE standards and guidance;

+ 5 or more years of experience with Federal regulatory processes, including Section 404 Permitting, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);

+ Demonstrated ability to work on a wide range of projects, within interdisciplinary teams, and balance a demanding workload 5 or more years of experience with NRHP eligibility criteria and aspects of integrity.

+ Master's degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or related field

+ Experience in performing ecology surveys and preparing reports for transportation projects administered by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

+ Experience with Georgia state processes including the Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA)

+ High degree of professionalism, self-motivation, and desire to work in a collaborative team environment.

+ Excellent communication skills, including both written and oral expertise.

+ Self-motivated, driven, and hard working.

+ Experience working in a fast-paced consulting environment.

**What We Offer**

We will give you the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you're working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion - a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

We will encourage you to grow and develop your career with us through our technical and professional development programs and diverse career opportunities. We believe in leadership at all levels. No matter where you sit in the organization you can make a lasting impact on the projects you work on, the teams and committees you join and our business.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, well-being programs to support you and your family, and the development resources you need to advance your career.

When you join us, you will connect and collaborate with a global network of experts - planners, designers, engineers, scientists, consultants, program and construction managers - leading the change toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Join us and let's get started.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours.

**Job Category** Ecology

**Business Line** Transportation

**Business Group** Design and Consulting Services Group (DCS)

**Stategic Business Unit** East

**Country** United States of America

**Position Status** Full Time

**Requisition/Vacancy No.** 270721BR

**Virtual:** Yes

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Master’s degree with major course work in physical, natural, or biological science, environmental
engineering, or related field with three (3) years of professional level experience in the field of studies listed previously; Bachelor’s degree with major course work in physical, natural, or biological science, environmental engineering, or related field with seven (7) years of professional level experience in the field of studies listed previously; and/or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience in these areas of study or professional work.

Special Qualifications:

• Florida Driver's License
• Certification in biological or wetland sciences from professional organization.
• Other highly desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Detailed knowledge of Florida biology, native plants, and vegetation.
• Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of environmental management.
• Working knowledge of national, state, and local environmentally related laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of advanced mathematics, natural, physical, and biological sciences, and computer technology.
• Knowledge of scientific research and writing techniques including the use of automated systems for
• statistical analysis of research data.
• Knowledge of the biological sciences and their relationship to environmental quality and land use planning.
• Ability to present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral, and graphic form.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches, maps, and aerial imagery;
• Ability to formulate and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral, or graphic form;
• Ability to train subordinate staff, participate in and lead complex studies, analyze information and
• formulate substantive recommendations based upon findings.
• Ability to plan and carry out detailed environmental assessments of proposed developments, ascertain environmental impact, and prepare regulatory permit applications and support documentation.
• Ability to conduct and participate in environmental studies, analyze information, and formulate
  recommendations based upon studies;
• Ability to use small office equipment, computers, and computer applications.
• Desired experience as an expert witness in legal and quasi-legal proceedings.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30
pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the
following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, inclined, declined, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Climbing: Ascending or descending small hills, ditches, or pond banks, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Visual ability: sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.; and to distinguish detail in outdoor conditions.
• Hearing ability: sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recorded sounds.
• Speaking ability: sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one
• work site to another.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Heidt Design, LLC offers competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vison
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off

**Senior Vegetation Ecologist**

**Who We Are**

At WSP, we are driven by inspiring future-ready pioneers to innovate. We're looking to grow our teams with people who are ready to collaborate in building communities and expanding our skylines. To do this, we hire candidates of all experiences, skillsets, backgrounds and walks of life. We actively foster a work environment and culture where inclusion and diversity is part of our fundamental structure. This is delivered behaviorally, through our policies, trainings, local partnerships with professional diverse organizations, internal networks and most importantly with the support and sponsorship of our leaders who help drive our commitment to an inclusive, diverse, welcoming and equitable work environment. Anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!

**Our Business**

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 14,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change.

As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

**This Opportunity**

Seeking a **Senior-level Vegetation/Restoration Ecologist** to lead our vegetation and natural resources monitoring program in our southwest US service area. You will be responsible to deliver consulting services in vegetation data collection, data analysis, reporting, and permitting in support of internal and external clients. The position focuses on coal and hardrock mine reclamation projects with opportunities in habitat restoration, wetlands, and soil carbon sequestration. The position is based in Southwest United States and the following locations will be considered: **Utah, CO, NM** , and **AZ** . This position also has the ability to support the mining team remotely. **\#Globalmining**

**Your Impact**

+ Manage a variety of vegetation monitoring projects on reclaimed mine lands and natural areas including field logistics, staffing, scheduling, data collection and report generation.

+ Develop study designs, quantitative vegetation monitoring plans, and implement field programs

+ Lead field programs with teams ranging between 2 to 10 vegetation ecologists and technicians

+ Collect and manage quantitative vegetation data including data quality assurance, compilation, analysis, and interpretation.

+ Generate specialized technical reports to meet the unique needs of clients.

+ Provide health and safety leadership in the field and in the office

+ Work collaboratively with other senior members of the Mine Environment team on mine closure and reclamation projects and pursuits. Establish links with other environmental and engineering business units to support and enhance service delivery

+ Create detailed reclamation plans for local, regional, and international mining clients

+ Effectively interact with clients, local and regional team professionals, and regulatory officials

+ Nurture client relationships, actively pursue opportunities, and contribute to proposals and business development activities

+ Potential for travel domestically and internationally

+ Guide and mentor junior staff

**Who You Are**

**Required Qualifications**

+ MS in Range Science, Restoration Ecology, Botany, Quantitative Ecology, Forestry, Soil Science, or related field. Also accepted are candidates with a BS having specific relevant experience in lieu of an advanced degree

+ Strong practical experience in mine reclamation, plant ecology and/or soil science with an emphasis on field work or studies.

+ 7 to 12 years of progressive experience in environmental consulting or similar industry

+ Demonstrated experience with a variety of vegetation sampling techniques, field plant taxonomy, and familiarity with southwestern plant communities

+ Ability to manage complex programs involving the collection and analysis of large amounts of ecological data

+ Commitment to scientific integrity

+ Manage multiple project assignments while maintaining flexibility to meet cost and schedule objectives

+ Effective organization and communication skills, including technical report generation. Peer reviewed publications are an asset

+ Work both independently and collaboratively with teams of scientists and engineers

+ Experience with Enterprise Desktop and Web GIS Systems to develop and manage mobile digital data collection for fieldwork (e.g., ArcGIS Survey123, Collector for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Field Maps, Avenza, etc.) including applications, scripting languages, macros and programming tools for data QA/QC, processing, export, statistical analysis, and visualization such as R, Python, Power Query, Power BI, C#, Excel, MS Access, etc.

+ Willingness to travel and perform physically demanding field work for environmental sampling, site reconnaissance, and construction oversight projects.

+ Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable: soil cover designs and soil, plant and root interrelationships; heavy earthwork construction particularly related to mining and mine reclamation; and seed mix development and revegetation seeding methods and equipment

**Preferred Qualifications:**

+ Master's Degree is preferred.

+ Essential professional licensure/certification.

+ 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.

+ Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired. \#LI-BJ1

**Additional Requirements**

+ To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

**Additional Details**

+ **Travel Required:** 25%

+ **Job Status:** Regular

+ **Employee Type:** Full

+ **Primary Location:** ALBUQUERQUE - LOUISIANA BLVD

+ **All locations:** US-AZ-Phoenix, US-AZ-Tempe, US-AZ-Tucson, US-CO-Arvada, US-CO-Aurora, US-CO-Boulder, US-CO-Broomfield, US-CO-Colorado Springs, US-CO-Denver, US-CO-Durango, US-CO-Greenwood Village, US-CO-Lakewood, US-CO-Rifle, US-NM-Albuquerque, US-NM-Carlsbad, US-NM-Farmington, US-NM-Santa Fe, US-UT-Roosevelt, US-UT-Salt Lake City

**About WSP**

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 12,000 employees in over 200 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible, agile and hybrid workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.