Assistant Staff Restoration Ecologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is actively seeking an Assistant Staff Restoration Ecologist with experience and interest in ecological restoration, invasive plant management, and ecological landscaping to join our team. Projects will be located primarily throughout the Northeast, in particular Massachusetts, and include opportunities throughout the U.S. The ideal candidate will possess experience and interest in wetland ecology, invasive plant management, wetland restoration, and preferable has expertise in native and invasive vegetation identification (for plants in the northeastern U.S.).

Applicants should have excellent organizational and analytical skills, thrive in a team setting, and possess a demonstrated aptitude relating to biological data to broader ecological, restoration, or management issues. The position will require travel in order to complete ecological restoration or invasive plant management services. A key element of your job will be to independently supervise an environmental survey crew in the field. The position would be based out of our Amherst, MA office. This is a temporary, full-time position with the option to convert to a regular position after evaluation.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 1,650 staff, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership.  We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.  Come join our team!

What you will accomplish

• Work in a team setting to plan and complete ecological restoration and invasive plant management projects.

• Follow safety protocols, field best practices, and coordinate with other applicable SWCA staff.

• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and scientific tools and equipment under sometimes arduous field conditions.

• Implement and complete tasks and responsibilities delegated by Project Managers and field leads.

• Take positive action and accountability for assigned work.

• Use strong organizational and communication skills in writing and verbally.

• Supervise a small crew while conducting ecological restoration fieldwork. This includes:

  • independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;
  • ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and are being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;
  • serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;
  • receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
  • monitoring team productivity and providing timely performance feedback, including deciding when disciplinary action is necessary and delivering discipline.

Experience and qualifications for success

Required:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science/Studies, Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, or a related life science
• Must have at least one (1) year of relevant industry experience in either the private or public sector
• Must hold a valid driver's license.
• A strong interest and passion for ecological restoration and reclamation including planning, implementation, and monitoring. A desire to grow and learn within this area of concentration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of plant identification, plant and soil ecology, and invasive ecology.
• Experience completing fieldwork, and invasive plant management.
• Ability to work in a team predominantly but able to work independently on assigned tasks when needed.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, high heat and humidity.
• Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds is required.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Preferred:

• Experience with GIS software and ESRI products and ability to use technology for data collection.
• Experience with herbicide application, extensive invasive plant management experience, and/or extensive wetland mitigation experience.
• Experience with common reclamation and restoration implementation procedures and best practices including required equipment, and erosion control and site stabilization.

Additional Information:

• Ability to operate and maintain off-road vehicles (ATV/UTV) and equipment (e.g., trailers) with previous experience doing so preferred.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. 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.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Amherst, MA - based position can expect a salary of $21.00/hour to $27.00/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.  Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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