Field Ecologist

UES; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is seeking a Field Ecologist to support ecological studies such as wetland delineation and species assessments. The candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in biology or environmental science, with preferred experience in wetland permitting.

Responsibilities include collecting environmental data and ensuring compliance with project specifications. The role requires moderate travel, primarily outdoors under varying conditions, adhering to safety protocols. This is an opportunity to contribute to impactful projects across various communities.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Previous experience in the industry is preferred.
• Experience with wetland delineation and permitting.

Responsibilities

• Perform wetland delineation and ecological investigations.
• Collect and record environmental data.
• Ensure that project testing requirements are met.

Skills

Ability to read & write

Knowledge of local flora and fauna

Computer skills (ArcGIS, Tremble GPS)

Mathematical skills

Education

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

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. We are a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, collaborating on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more.

The Field Ecologist role is responsible for assisting in the conduct of applied ecological studies, including wetland delineation, imperiled species assessments, tree surveys, and biological monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that project testing requirements are met and compliant with project specifications, requirements, and company policies or procedures.
• Perform wetland delineation.
• Conduct applied ecological investigations.
• Collect and record environmental data, including GPS coordinates, species observations, and habitat characteristics, during field surveys.
• Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of field equipment, such as GPS devices, water quality meters, and data loggers.
• Be willing to travel within the state of Florida, if applicable.
• Complete daily time and labor reports in accordance with company policy.
• Turn in required paperwork daily.
• Maintain regular attendance.
• Be flexible to schedule changes and hours to support business needs.
• Follow all company safety procedures and policies.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Functional knowledge of local flora and fauna.
• Ability to read & write, including interpreting documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, as well as writing routine reports and correspondence and speaking effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and customers or clients.
• Computer skills sufficient to operate a laptop, send and receive emails, and proficiency with ArcGIS and Tremble GPS.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Reasoning ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram form.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in the industry.
• Experience with wetland delineation and permitting.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements.
• Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs.
• Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments.
• Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position primarily works outdoors, regularly exposed to varying field conditions.
• Sites may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.
• Physical requirements may include lifting or carrying 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• Ability to use vision, smell, hearing, touch to navigate challenging environments.

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page.