Staff Ecologist III

Verdantas; Northfield Center Township (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Environment

Paid Parental Leave

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life and AD&D Insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off + Holidays

Job summary

Verdantas is seeking a Staff Ecologist III to join our Environmental team across the Midwest. You will support infrastructure, utility, and renewable energy projects through field assessments, environmental permitting, and technical reporting.

The role requires leading field teams, conducting wetland delineations and stream assessments, and coordinating with agencies like USACE and USFWS. Strong writing and GPS data collection experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Studies, or related field.
• At least 5 years of wetland delineation and stream assessment experience, preferably in Ohio and surrounding states.
• Experience with USACE wetland data forms, ORAM, QHEI, and HHEI forms.
• Knowledge of Midwest plant identification.
• Experience with GPS-based field data collection.
• Strong technical writing, organization, communication, and MS Office skills.
• Ability to lead field teams and work independently.
• Willingness to work extended field hours, including two or more weeks per month during peak field seasons.
• Commitment to safety, ethical conduct, and high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead wetland delineations and stream assessments in accordance with current USACE guidance.
• Use GPS and field data collection tools to map habitats and sensitive resources.
• Coordinate fieldwork logistics, equipment, mapping, and Safe Work Plans.
• Analyze field data and prepare technical reports.
• Support coordination with USACE, USFWS, OEPA, ODNR, and other regulatory agencies.
• Prepare wetland delineation reports and environmental permit applications, including USACE Sections 401, 404, and 10, state wetland and stream permits, and NPDES compliance.
• Perform physically demanding fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions.

Skills

Leadership

Technical writing

Organization

Communication

Microsoft Office

Field team management

Willingness for extended field hours

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Studies or related field

Tools

ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Collector

GPS-based field data collection

Job description

Welcome to Verdantas, where innovation meets sustainability, and your career finds purpose!

At Verdantas, we're redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering through our use of cutting-edge modeling and digital technology and our genuine commitment to people. Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure.

Our commitment to excellence, across more than 90 offices, is championed by a team of over 2,000 experts, scientists, engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture, prioritizing the well-being of our employees, clients, and the communities we serve. We partner with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. We don't just solve problems; we help shape a more sustainable future.

Join a people-first culture that values your well-being, empowers your growth, and amplifies your impact. At Verdantas, your career goes beyond the expected, and your work helps build a better world.

Ready to shape the future of resilient communities?

Verdantas is seeking a Staff Ecologist III to join our Environmental team in Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Columbus, Cincinnati, or another regional office . You will support infrastructure, utility, and renewable energy projects throughout the Midwest through field assessments, environmental permitting, and technical reporting.

What You'll Do:

• Conduct and lead wetland delineations and stream assessments in accordance with current USACE guidance.
• Use GPS and field data collection tools to map habitats and sensitive resources.
• Coordinate fieldwork logistics, equipment, mapping, and Safe Work Plans.
• Analyze field data and prepare technical reports.
• Support coordination with USACE, USFWS, OEPA, ODNR, and other regulatory agencies.
• Prepare wetland delineation reports and environmental permit applications, including USACE Sections 401, 404, and 10, state wetland and stream permits, and NPDES compliance.
• Perform physically demanding fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience conducting wetland delineations and stream assessments, preferably in Ohio and surrounding states.
• Experience with USACE wetland data forms, ORAM, QHEI, and HHEI forms.
• Knowledge of Midwest plant identification.
• Experience with GPS-based field data collection.
• Strong technical writing, organization, communication, and Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to lead field teams and work independently.
• Willingness to work extended field hours, including two or more weeks per month during peak field seasons.
• Commitment to safety, ethical conduct, and high-quality work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading wetland delineation crews.
• Certification of WPIT, PWS or CE is preferred.
• Experience with ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Collector, or similar field data collection applications.
• Knowledge of USACE Sections 401, 404, and 10 permitting and mitigation requirements.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary project teams.

Salary Range:

The starting salary for this position is $72,000, with final compensation determined based on qualifications, experience, and licensing status.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off + Holidays

Verdantas strives to develop new ways to increase diversity awareness within our organization. We recruit and reward our employees based on capability and performance - regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion, or physical ability. For us, it is imperative to build balanced teams from all walks of life and we believe that a diverse workforce is a stronger workforce.

Verdantas is an EOE race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet