Scientist III (CTS / RLF Expert - Ecologist)

NextGenEnergyJobs; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

RES seeks a Scientist III to lead field teams, ensure high-quality data, and mentor staff in analysis and reporting. You will manage equipment, review SOPs, and interpret monitoring results to inform project decisions in restoration and sustainability contexts.

The role emphasizes collaboration with clients, sharing updates, and presenting findings with scientific rigor. A solid background in ecology or related sciences is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience, or 3+ years with an advanced degree.
• Advanced knowledge in ecology, conservation, hydrology or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train field teams in sampling protocols, safety, and data collection.
• Operate and maintain scientific equipment for accurate field data.
• Review SOPs, monitoring plans, maps, and lab results for quality.
• Write advanced technical reports; mentor junior staff in analysis and reporting.
• Evaluate sites for regulatory requirements; perform risk analyses and insights.
• Collaborate on project design, sequencing, scheduling; communicate with clients.

Skills

Data analysis

Team leadership

Technical reporting

Client communication

Regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

YSI multimeters

Turbidimeters

GPS

Job description

Scientist III (CTS / RLF Expert - Ecologist)

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact.

Key Responsibilities

• In this role, you will lead and train field teams in sampling protocols, safety procedures, and data collection, ensuring high-quality outcomes and adherence to safety standards. You’ll also operate and maintain scientific equipment, making sure that field data is collected accurately and reliably.
• Your work will include reviewing and interpreting technical documentation such as standard operating procedures, monitoring plans, maps, and laboratory results. You’ll collect, manage, and analyze large datasets, applying rigorous quality control to ensure accuracy and reliability in the results.
• You will be responsible for writing advanced technical reports with minimal revisions required, while also mentoring junior staff in data analysis and report preparation. Beyond reporting, you’ll evaluate sites to identify regulatory and technical requirements, perform risk analyses, and provide insights that inform project strategies.
• Collaboration will be key, as you contribute to project design discussions, sequencing, and the scheduling of field activities. You’ll communicate directly with clients, summarizing project needs and providing timely status updates. Finally, you’ll have opportunities to engage with local and regional professional associations, with the potential to lead, present, and publish your work as a recognized expert in your field.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Enjoy problem-solving in dynamic environments and can independently evaluate site conditions and risks.
• Balance scientific rigor with practical project needs, contributing to designs and field sequencing.
• Take pride in delivering high-quality, client-ready reports with minimal revisions.
• $82,600
• —
• $101,000 USD
• Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences (required); an advanced degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience, or 3+ years with an advanced degree.
• Advanced knowledge in at least one scientific discipline (e.g., ecology, conservation, hydrology, flora/fauna).
• Intermediate knowledge across several related disciplines.
• Experience with scientific analysis software.
• Proficiency in functional assessment methodologies and calculations.
• Hands-on field experience with equipment such as YSI multimeters, turbidimeters, and GPS.