Sr. Consultant/Senior Habitat Ecologist/Restoration Planner

GEI Consultants, Inc; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Schedules

Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits

401(k) Profit Sharing

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Holidays and PTO

Job summary

GEI Consultants, Inc. seeks a Senior Habitat Ecologist/Restoration Planner to lead complex restoration projects across the Great Lakes region from Wisconsin offices.

The role emphasizes ecological design, stakeholder engagement, and strong project management to balance wildlife goals with client needs and regulatory requirements. You will mentor multidisciplinary teams, prepare proposals, manage budgets and timelines, and collaborate with agencies and communities to advance habitat restoration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in habitat restoration, environmental planning, or related field.
• Proven track record managing complex environmental projects including budgets and timelines.
• Strong knowledge of ecological principles and restoration techniques for the Great Lakes region.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborative working environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to prepare clear reports.
• Willingness to travel and work in varied field conditions.

Responsibilities

• Grow our ecology practice by developing clients and markets while cross-selling GEI’s core services.
• Prepare detailed project proposals, budgets, and timelines.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, staff and resources.
• Oversee habitat restoration projects from inception to completion meeting environmental and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical guidance in the design, implementation, and monitoring of habitat restoration projects.
• Develop natural heritage inventories and impact assessments with project teams.
• Develop survey plans for site assessments and inform project design.
• Collaborate with agencies, non-profits, communities and stakeholders to secure project support.
• Prepare reports, publications, and presentations communicating findings.
• Provide QAQC for memos, reports and recommendations; contribute to business development.
• Stay up to date with research in habitat restoration and ecological science.
• Work with contractors to complete work to project specifications and agency standards.

Skills

Restoration planning

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Ecology knowledge

Leadership

Report writing

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Ecology/Environmental Science/Natural Resource Management/Environmental Engineering

Tools

GIS

Remote sensing

Job description

Sr. Consultant/Senior Habitat Ecologist/Restoration Planner

Join us in our mission to restore and protect our natural habitats for future generations.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Habitat Restoration Planner to join our dynamic and growing ecological team in Wisconsin, preferably out of our Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee or Madison offices. This role involves leading and coordinating comprehensive restoration projects aimed at preserving and enhancing rivers, lakes, wetlands, coastal habitats, prairies, and other uplands of the Great Lakes region. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in restoration planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement. This position requires a deep understanding of ecological principles, project management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Our projects require being able to balance wildlife goals, land uses, budget constraints, client needs and expectations, and regulations when developing a project or restoration plan.

• Grow our ecology practice by developing new and existing clients and markets while cross-selling GEI’s core business areas including geotechnical, environmental assessment and remediation, water resources, waterfront, environmental engineering, and civil engineering consulting. Develop and implement strategies and action plans that align with both organizational goals and regional conservation priorities.
• Prepare detailed project proposals, budgets, and timelines.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, staff and other resources.
• Oversee and manage habitat restoration projects with varying levels of complexity and size from inception to completion that meet environmental and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical guidance and support in the design, implementation, and monitoring of habitat restoration projects, including site assessments and ecological evaluations.
• Work with technical staff and project managers to develop natural heritage inventories and impact assessments
• Develop survey plans for use by field crews, adhering to best practices and safety protocols, for site assessments and ecological surveys, as needed, to inform project design.
• Collaborate with governmental agencies, non-profits, local communities, and other stakeholders to foster partnerships and secure project support.
• Prepare reports, publications, and presentations to communicate project findings and contribute to the scientific community.
• Provide QAQC for summary memos, technical reports, figures, and recommendations to clients. Help develop business by leveraging relationships and knowledge of clients, programs, and regulations.
• Stay up to date with the latest research and developments in habitat restoration and ecological science.
• Work with contractors and subcontractors to complete work to project specifications and agency standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in habitat restoration, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex environmental projects, including budget and timeline management.
• Strong knowledge of ecological principles and restoration techniques pertinent to the Great Lakes region.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and develop creative and practical solutions to restoration challenges.
• Willingness to travel and work in various field conditions as required by project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications related to environmental planning or habitat restoration (e.g., Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, arborist, etc.).
• Familiarity with the Great Lakes region’s ecological, cultural, and regulatory landscape.
• Experience with wetland and stream mitigation banking, such as site selection, design, permitting, construction oversight, and monitoring.
• Experience with projects that incorporate aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial habitat elements.
• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and other relevant software tools for environmental analysis and mapping.
• 10-15 years of direct environmental consulting experience in the Great Lakes region preferrable, with considerable experience in Wisconsin.

We are GEI.

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here .

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.

As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here .

Fully Benefited Positions (RFT/RPT)

GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes

• Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
• Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
• Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
• GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
• Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
• Rewards and Recognition
• GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
• Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here )
• A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Functional Demands:

Sedentary

X

Light

Medium

Other

Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)

Physical Activity Requirements

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

(67-100% of day)

Not Applicable

X

Standing

X

Walking

X

Climbing

X

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

X

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

X

Carrying objects

X

Push/pull

X

Twisting

X

Reaching forward

X

Reaching overhead

X

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

X

Taste or smell (taste=never)

X

Talk or hear

X

Accurate 20/40

Very Accurate 20/20

Not Applicable

Near Vision

X

Far Vision

X

Yes

No

Not Applicable

X

Sensory Requirements

Minimal

Moderate

Accurate

Not Applicable

Depth perception

X

Hearing

X

Reasonably Anticipated

Not Anticipated

X

Chemical

X

Extreme temperatures

X

Radiation

X

Uneven surfaces or elevations

X

Dust/particulate matter

X

Other (exposure risks):

8

X

10

12

Other work hours

GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.