Field Botanist/Ecologist – Renewable Energy Site Surveys

Westwood Professional Services; Minnetonka (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. seeks a Botanist/Ecologist to join our Renewables team for pre- and post-construction field surveys, reports, and vegetation management planning.

Strong plant identification and map-reading skills are required; you will coordinate with clients and site managers, support senior staff, and contribute to project lifecycles in environmental consulting. This field-based role involves travel and collaboration across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology, Botany, or a related field from a 4-year college.
• 0–5 years of experience.
• Sight identification of plants and familiarity with dichotomous keys.
• Map reading and navigating undeveloped areas on foot.
• Data collection using GIS platforms such as Field Maps, ArcMap, or similar.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Effective time and workload management skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office.
• General knowledge of environmental consulting, formal/informal communication, and teamwork

Responsibilities

• Complete field work and reports for a variety of renewable energy and land development projects.
• Conduct pre- and post-construction surveys, including vegetation surveys, plant identification, weed surveys, stormwater compliance, and construction compliance monitoring.
• Develop site-specific vegetation management plans that meet local ordinances and site restrictions.
• Conduct stormwater inspections and assist with communication to regulatory agencies.
• Oversee the implementation and management of Stormwater Management Strategies (SMS).
• Author reports, emails, and documents for clients and agencies.
• Collect field data, photos, and clear notes on site conditions.
• Assist with plant identification from photographs.
• Perform additional ecological fieldwork, including wildlife habitat assessments and wetland delineations
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables, including report authorship and project-ownership responsibilities.
• Assign and manage tasks performed by Technicians/Interns and provide them with clear direction.
• Support senior staff and provide coverage in their absence
• Begin to build client relationships, coordinating activities with clients and site managers.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of stormwater regulations and laws, industry standards and practices, BMPs, and federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
• Increase general knowledge of environmental consulting and develop an understanding of the project lifecycle in your technical area

Skills

Plant identification

Map reading

Data collection

GIS proficiency

Report writing

Attention to detail

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology, Botany, or related field

Tools

Field Maps

ArcMap

Job description

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. seeks a Botanist/Ecologist to join our Renewables team for pre- and post-construction field surveys, reports, and vegetation management planning.

Strong plant identification and map-reading skills are required; you will coordinate with clients and site managers, support senior staff, and contribute to project lifecycles in environmental consulting. This field-based role involves travel and collaboration across disciplines.