Ecologist / Wetlands Scientist

Versar; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Ecologist / Wetlands Scientist to join their dynamic team. This role involves engaging in crucial natural resource projects, where you'll apply your expertise in wetland science and ecological restoration. You will be responsible for conducting fieldwork, leading teams, and synthesizing scientific data to support various environmental studies. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, you will communicate with government and industry experts while managing complex projects that contribute to climate adaptation and resilience efforts. If you are passionate about making a difference in environmental conservation, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to grow your career.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in environmental science, focusing on wetland and stream ecology.
• Certifications such as Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD).

Responsibilities

• Conducting wetland delineations and leading field teams for data collection.
• Preparing technical reports and managing project workflows and client communications.

Skills

Wetland Delineation

Ecological Restoration

Field Data Collection

Project Management

Research and Writing

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

BS in Environmental Science

Tools

Trimble GPS

ArcGIS

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Versar is seeking a full-time Ecologist / Wetlands Scientist with strong technical skills to assist the team with a variety of tasks associated with natural resources projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in an environmental science field (e.g., ecology, wetland science, stream ecology), and will have a clear understanding of stream, wetland and shoreline restoration design principles and construction. Projects involve stream and wetland identification and permitting, natural resources planning, climate change assessments and planning, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, and ecological restoration construction largely in support of the Department of Defense (DoD). The position is organized under Versar’s Environmental Management (EM) group.

Responsibilities :

• Researching, acquiring, and synthesizing scientific literature and data.
• Writing, research, and field work in support of the preparation of wetland delineation reports, Section permit applications, natural resources management plans, and other environmental studies.
• Performing wetland delineations and leading a field team.
• Supporting development of vulnerability assessments and implementation of climate adaptation efforts (e.g., coastal resilience) including integrating nature based and green infrastructure solutions.
• Collecting field data using accepted standardized collection methods.
• Assisting in the preparation, review, and QA / QC of technical reports and plans.
• Communicating with government, academic, and industry researchers and scientists.
• Understanding of stream and wetland restoration design principles and construction.
• Organizing and leading project team meetings and meetings with third parties / clients.
• Updating financial project management software, completing project invoicing, providing routine project updates, and maintaining regular communication with clients.
• Managing workflow, financial performance, schedule, and client satisfaction for complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

Required Qualifications :

• Certifications such as Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD)
• BS degree in an environmental science field such as ecology, wetland science, aquatic biology, botany, wildlife biology, fisheries, soils, hydrology, or related field, and 5-7 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working with federal and state resource and regulatory agency personnel and various permitting processes
• Experience documenting wetland and stream investigations in accordance with Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE ) and other relevant guidance (e.g., Regional Supplements to the Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual).
• Performing and / or managing wetland delineations, stream / wetland mitigation monitoring, feasibility assessments of potential restoration projects, endangered species and habitat surveys, and other environmental site assessments
• Experience with Trimble GPS units, ArcGIS, and / or other ESRI data collection software.
• Superior writing, communication, and computer skills (MS Word, Excel, etc.) as well as strong problem solving and research abilities.
• Ability to support projects that occasionally require travel with overnight stays.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Experience conducting resilience and climate adaptation services
• Experience working on local and community scale projects