Ecologist

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class benefits

Flexible, hybrid work environment

Learning and development support

Job summary

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. is seeking an experienced ecologist for their Atlanta office, focusing on transportation-related ecological studies. Key responsibilities include conducting field surveys, leading wetland assessments, and assisting in compliance with federal and state regulations. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years in the profession, a relevant degree, and strong communication skills to collaborate effectively. VHB offers a flexible, hybrid work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of professional experience with transportation and energy client-driven processes.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Experience with wetland/surface water permitting, ecological surveys, habitat assessment.

Responsibilities

• Perform ecological studies including conducting field surveys and producing reports.
• Assist with proposals and wetlands assessment work.
• Conduct field surveys and habitat assessments for protected species.

Skills

Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Motivated to learn, mentor, and collaborate with others

Superior technical skills

Strong wetland delineation skills

Proficient with MS Office

Proficient using GPS-enabled Mobile Data Collection technologies

Experience writing due diligence reports and biological assessments

Proficient with federal and state environmental regulations

Education

B.S. degree or higher in biology, ecology, environmental/natural science, landscape architecture

Tools

ArcMap

GIS applications

Job description

Overview

Location: US-GA-Atlanta

VHB is looking for an experienced ecologist to support our Atlanta office in our growing transportation-focused practice. Our dynamic team practices across a range of natural resources, conducting wetland assessments, protected species surveys and habitat evaluations, aquatic resource surveys, bat studies, and we are looking for an additional team member to contribute to our group.

Responsibilities

• Performance of ecological studies, including conducting field surveys, producing reports, and completing QA/QC
• Assistance with proposals
• All aspects of wetlands assessment work including baseline data research, field delineations, wetland and stream mapping and data collection, mitigation credit calculations, US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404/10 permitting processes
• Conduct field surveys and habitat assessments for protected species
• Participate in multi-disciplinary environmental impact assessment, permitting, and compliance related to federal and state agency requirements for a variety of project types
• Participate in recommending impact avoidance and minimization strategies to clients
• Engage in collegial one-on-one communications with internal and external project managers, agency representatives, as well as public and private sector clients

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Motivated to learn, mentor, and collaborate with others
• Superior technical skills, producing consistent high-quality work products
• Emerging business development and proposal skills, technical scope writing with qualifications statements and costing are desirable
• Strong field notation skills
• Proficient with general habitat and/or southeastern plant community identification
• Strong wetland delineation skills
• Ability to work long day-time hours in the outdoor environment
• Ability to work well with a wide range of clients
• Ability to work well independently and with a diverse, multi-disciplinary group in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Proficient using GPS-enabled Mobile Data Collection technologies
• Proficient with ArcMap and GIS applications
• Experience writing due diligence reports and biological assessments
• Aptitude for coordinating surveys and/or consultations for state and federal protected species
• Proficient with federal and state environmental regulations and impact permitting
• Proficient with field safety practices, including First-Aid and CPR

Qualifications

• B.S. degree or higher in biology, ecology, environmental/natural science, landscape architecture, or related field
• 3-5+ years of professional experience with transportation and energy client-driven process and procedures
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Preference given to experience preparing ecology reports for the Georgia Department of Transportation or other state transportation departments
• Experience with wetland/surface water permitting, ecological surveys and studies, habitat assessment, field data collection and documentation, data analysis and evaluation
• Preference given to Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT), Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS). Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) or similar expert certifications

Building what's next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people-driven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When you join VHB, you'll find:

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

VHB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.