Ecologist III - Field

Metro Consulting Associates LLC; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Metro Consulting Associates LLC is seeking an Ecologist III in Plymouth Charter Township, Michigan. This senior role focuses on advanced wetland assessments and ecological surveys, requiring strong leadership and technical skills. The candidate will conduct field investigations, support regulatory compliance, and prepare detailed reports. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a related field and extensive experience in wetland delineations, with a strong understanding of federal and state regulations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GPS technology is necessary.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10–15 years of applicable experience with 3-5 years in wetland delineation.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of USACE wetland delineation methodology.

Responsibilities

• Lead wetland/waters assessments and delineations.
• Conduct ecological surveys and compliance monitoring.
• Prepare technical reports and review wetland delineations.

Skills

Wetland delineation

Ecological surveys

Field inspections

Data analysis

Project coordination

Leadership skills

Native plant identification

Permitting knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology or related field

Tools

GPS units

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

The Ecologist III is a senior-level, field-focused Wetland Ecologist responsible for conducting advanced ecological field investigations and supporting regulatory compliance efforts for complex environmental projects. This position spends the majority of time performing hands-on field work, including wetland delineations, ecological surveys, monitoring, and compliance inspections, with supporting office-based responsibilities related to data analysis, reporting, permitting, and coordination. The Ecologist III serves as a technical resource to project teams, clients, and regulatory agencies and plays a key role on highly technical projects involving multiple layers of regulatory review and approval.

Responsibilities

Primary Field Responsibilities (Approximately 75–80%)

• Team lead in charge of completing wetland/waters assessments and delineations according to the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineations Manual and applicable regional supplements.
• Perform wetland inventories, functional assessments, and wetland monitoring.
• Conduct ecological surveys, such as vegetation assessments, rare species habitat assessments, stream assessments, tree surveys, and environmental compliance.
• Participate in threatened and endangered species surveys and related best management practices (BMP) and/or compliance activities.
• Perform construction and compliance monitoring including field inspections and documentation.
• Collect, record, and maintain accurate field notes, GPS data, maps, photographs, and logs.
• Evaluate natural resources and identify potential environmental constraints or compliance issues in the field.
• Travel regularly to project sites and work outdoors in varied terrain and weather conditions.
• Support and mentor junior field staff during field investigations and monitoring activities.

Secondary Office / Technical Support Responsibilities (Approximately 20–25%)

• Prepare and/or review technical reports, including wetland/waters delineations, stream assessments, ecological surveys, habitat assessments, and monitoring reports.
• Assist with preparation of wetland restoration plans.
• Prepare Biological Assessments and develop avoidance, minimization, or mitigation strategies for sensitive species and regulated habitats.
• Coordinate with project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies regarding technical findings and permitting requirements.
• Provide technical input to support permitting and regulatory compliance under USACE, and different Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (EGLE) state regulations.
• Prepare or oversee preparation of data tables, figures, maps, and documentation related to ecological work.
• Support project profitability through coordination with Project Managers and efficient task execution.
• Provide input to improve ecological quality control processes and identify training or resource needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, or related field and/or equivalent experience
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) or seasoned wetland delineator.
• Have received formal wetland delineation training (certificate of completion required).
• Proven leadership skills, and experience as a team leader.
• Minimum 10–15 years of applicable experience, with a minimum 3-5 years of experience conducting wetland delineations.
• Strong working knowledge of the USACE wetland 1987 delineation methodology, and the applicable regional supplements, including atypical situations.
• Experienced with native and invasive plant identification within Michigan and the Great Lakes Region.
• Knowledge of federal (Section 404 and 401 Permitting) and state (Michigan and Indiana) wetland regulations and permitting.
• Experienced with the taxonomically identification of flora and fauna common to the Midwest, specifically to Michigan.
• Familiar with federal and state threatened and endangered species regulations.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under tight deadlines as well as balance multiple on-going projects at one time.
• Strong planning, organization, preparation, and execution capabilities.
• Resourceful, action-oriented, with strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites and the corporate office
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical and non-technical teams
• Experience with GPS units and related software (ESRI, Pathfinder Office, etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel