Ecologist

GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.; Springfield (MA); Hybrid; USD 86,400 - 149,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock options

Paid time off

Continuing education support

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking an experienced Ecologist to manage projects and oversee field investigations in Springfield, Massachusetts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in wetland delineations, environmental permitting, and project management skills. Candidates with 5+ years of experience in environmental consulting and a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree are encouraged to apply. This position offers a competitive salary range and a flexible hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in environmental consulting.
• Certification or progression towards PWS, CESSWI, or CPESC certifications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and project staff.
• Oversee field investigations related to wetlands.
• Lead integrated engineering and natural resource teams.

Skills

Wetland delineations and assessments

Environmental permitting

Botanical surveys

GIS mapping

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Overview

GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. is currently seeking an experienced Ecologist who has demonstrated experience in wetland delineations and assessments and complex environmental permitting. The successful candidate will also have project experience related to botanical surveys, soils investigations, wildlife and aquatic habitat evaluations, faunal surveys, GIS mapping, and construction observations. Come join our growing Ecology and Planning Practice in Western Massachusetts. The qualified individual must have experience in one or more of the following practice areas: renewable energy, flood protection/dams, ecological restoration, climate resiliency, airports/highways, and/or site development. Experience with environmental permitting in Massachusetts is highly preferred.

What You Will Be Getting

• Small firm feel with a larger firm reputation and resources.
• Direct access to leadership – at GZA you are part of the team!
• Collaboration with our staff of interrelated professionals dedicated to providing high-level expertise on an interesting variety of projects.
• Opportunity to purchase Company stock as we are an Employee-Owned firm.
• Company support for continuing education and training.
• Generous, company-subsidized benefits package and paid time off.
• Flexible hybrid work environment, out of our Springfield (MA) office location.

What You Will Be Doing

• Managing projects and project staff, preparing proposals, and collaborating with GZA’s core disciplines to support large and diverse projects.
• Participating in and overseeing field investigations related to wetlands, water bodies, flora and fauna.
• Leading integrated engineering and natural resource teams to develop project designs and permitting/communication strategies for projects that balance public safety, community development, and multiple regulatory priorities.
• Developing and maintaining multi-faceted client relationships with private and public sector clients.
• Must have experience with: MADEP WPA, MADEP 401, Chapter 91; USACE 404 / 10 and associated supporting reviews. Experience with MEPA, NEPA, and MESA filings is preferred.
• Responsible for preparing proposals, managing budgets, and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Experience preparing and/or reviewing GIS produced maps and other project data visualizations is preferred.
• Occasional travel within southern New England is expected.
• GZA emphasizes a One Company environment, and as a member of our team, you may occasionally be asked to assist on projects and tasks outside of your primary responsibilities.

What You Will Be Bringing

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Geosciences, or a related discipline. Master’s degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in the environmental consulting field with an emphasis on permit preparation and representation.
• Certification or working towards PWS, CESSWI, or CPESC certifications.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to prepare project permitting strategic plans, clear and concise letters, memoranda, technical reports, and proposals.
• Demonstrated experience with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, Chapter 91, Section 401, and Section 404 permitting.
• Strong ability to interpret and use site plans, topographic maps, aerial photographs, and other mapping resources.
• Solid GIS skills are preferred but not required for this position.

The salary for this position may range between $86,400.00 to $149,800.00. The actual base salary and total compensation will depend on many factors, including location, candidate experience, education, professional licensure, and other qualifications.

Note to Staffing Agencies

GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, recruiting firms, or other third parties. All unsolicited resumes will be considered a gift, and GZA will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. GZA explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. This policy is in place to ensure we respect the relationships with our preferred vendors and avoid any potential misunderstandings.