Quantitative Ecological Scientist (Ph.D.) Quantitative Ecological Scientist (Ph.D.) Exponent Hy[...]

Seeds Renewables; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) employer contribution

Bi-weekly bonuses

Annual bonus

Job summary

A consulting firm specializing in scientific solutions is seeking a Quantitative Ecological Scientist in Bellevue, WA. This role focuses on providing technical support for environmental projects, including ecological assessments and data analyses. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, or a related field, with strong skills in R and GIS tools. The position offers a salary range between $104,000 and $129,000, alongside benefits and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with a background in Applied Statistics.
• Experience in statistical or population modeling using complex datasets.
• Ability to manage tasks and projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize multiple data sources for ecological change.
• Process LiDAR datasets for terrain surfaces.
• Conduct spatial analyses for project needs.

Skills

Data analysis

GIS knowledge

R programming

Python proficiency

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

LiDAR processing tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Quantitative Ecological Scientist (Ph.D.)

1 day ago

Job Description

About Exponent

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!

Key statistics:

• 950+ Consultants
• 640+ Ph.D.s
• 30+ Offices globally
• 90+ Disciplines

We are currently seeking a Quantitative Ecological Scientist for our Ecological & Biological Sciences Practice in Bellevue, WA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to provide technical support to various environmental projects in the United States and around the world. Projects may involve environmental assessments, restoration projects, resource matters, impacts relating to chemicals and other stressors in the environment, ecological risk assessment, causal analysis, and resource damage assessment. Candidates are expected to work collaboratively on projects with other members of the Ecological and Biological Sciences Practice and interdisciplinary teams from other Exponent practices, as appropriate, within a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment. Eligible candidates will be asked to complete a short data analysis task as part of the evaluation of a candidate’s qualifications and experience.

You will be responsible for

• Synthesizing multiple data sources to detect, quantify, and model ecological change and its underlying drivers
• Processing LiDAR and DEM datasets to generate hydrologically‑correct terrain surfaces, including watershed boundaries, drainage networks, and flood/erosion assessments
• Conducting spatial analyses (e.g., slope, buffer, overlay, viewshed, risk mapping) for project‑specific needs
• Converting tabular datasets (Excel/CSV, field data) into GIS layers with proper attribution
• Assisting in map production and cartographic outputs for reports and client deliverables
• Supporting georeferencing of scanned maps, imagery, or engineering drawings
• Building and maintaining a structured geodatabase for ongoing projects
• Performing and explaining quantitative analyses with complex datasets
• Reviewing and synthesizing technical and scientific literature and reports
• Applying creative and critical thinking to prepare reports and technical presentations, including visualizations of complex datasets and trends
• Developing professional status by authoring peer‑reviewed publications, participating in, and presenting at technical conferences and activities of professional societies
• Collaborating with scientists and engineers to ensure analyses align with project goals

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Wildlife, or related field with a background in Applied Statistics
• Experience in statistical or population modeling using complex datasets, including large and small datasets collected over differing temporal/spatial scales
• Accomplished in R and/or Python (or equivalent), proficient in git (or equivalent), remote sensing (ESRI, GEE), digital elevation models (DEM) & LiDAR processing, hydrological & terrain modeling
• Proficient in spatial, GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar), including understanding of raster data (e.g., satellite imagery, aerial photos), and integration with GIS, data analysis, AI, ML, LLMs
• Strong data QA/QC mindset ensuring spatial accuracy, metadata documentation, and reproducibility
• Ability to manage tasks and/or projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Excellent writing and critical thinking skills
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Skilled with satellite/remote sensing data and/or genomics data and bioinformatics a plus but not required
• Experience working with stakeholders and industry preferred, but not required
• Currently based or willing to relocate to the Bellevue, WA area

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi‑weekly bonuses for high‑intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary Range

USD $104,000.00 - USD $129,000.00 /Yr.

Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Job Locations

US-WA-Bellevue

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at [e-mail].