Staff Restoration Ecologist

careers-swca; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid wellness time

Career development guide

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Staff Restoration Ecologist to support Massachusetts restoration projects, focusing on floodplain restoration and plant installation. The role requires frequent fieldwork, coordination with the restoration team, and adherence to safety protocols.

Ideal candidates will have at least two years of relevant experience, a relevant bachelor's degree, and ability to operate field equipment while working outdoors under variable conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree normally obtained; one year of relevant experience, two years preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in varied weather.

Responsibilities

• Lead field surveys collecting data on vegetation, wildlife, and habitat conditions.
• Oversee planting of native species and erosion control measures.
• Coordinate field activities and mentor crews; ensure safety and quality.

Skills

Field surveys

Equipment handling

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff Restoration Ecologist to support ecological restoration projects in Massachusetts. This role will be part of our Ecological Restoration Group and will focus on floodplain restoration and restoration plant installation.

The position requires consistent field deployment to the project sites. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in ecological restoration, enjoy hands-on fieldwork, have direct large-scale plant installation experience, and work effectively as part of a team. Primary responsibilities include live stake and containerized plant material installation; deer fencing installation; and other related restoration tasks.

This is a temporary, non-exempt, hourly opportunity and is expected to last until December 2026. Priority will be given to candidates located in Massachusetts or within reasonable driving distance of the project site.

Depending upon project assignments, this role may serve as the lead for field survey crews, independently directing daily work activities, promoting safe and productive work practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback in support of successful project delivery.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

About SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team-focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish

• Leads field surveys to collect and analyze data on vegetation, wildlife, and habitat conditions, ensuring comprehensive and accurate documentation.
• Proficiently operates, handles, stores, and transports tools, equipment, and chemicals, adhering to proper practices. Conducts routine pre-use inspections and maintenance to ensure safe working condition, reporting any defects or malfunctions to the supervisor immediately. Oversees and trains others in proper practices.
• Conducts detailed site assessments to evaluate ecological conditions, identify restoration opportunities, and develop appropriate strategies.
• Oversees the implementation of restoration plans, including the planting of native species, removal of invasive species, and installation of erosion control measures.
• Monitors and evaluates project sites to assess the effectiveness of restoration efforts and ensure compliance with project specifications and regulatory standards.
• Prepares daily field reports. Contributes to other detailed reports and documentation to support project progress, regulatory compliance, and final project outcomes.
• Maintains and troubleshoots field equipment to ensure accurate data collection and efficient operation during field activities.
• Supports permitting processes by preparing necessary documentation, conducting impact assessments, and liaising with regulatory agencies.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, scientists, and project managers, to ensure successful project planning and execution.
• Engages with clients for field coordination and other basic communication needs.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Performs restoration fieldwork and assigned project activities under the direction of Field Supervisors.
• Supports floodplain restoration activities, including tree and shrub installation, deer fencing installation, and other related restoration tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree. One year of relevant, progressively responsible experience. Two years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in forestry, ecological restoration, landscaping, construction, or a related field.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
• Flexible and responsive during periods of change.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in varied and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Wetland Science, Ecology, or a related field.
• Experience with erosion control practices.
• OSHA 10-hour or 40-hour certification.

Other Job Conditions

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements.

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.

Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25-50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures.

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this [office name] based position isis $24.21 to $30.90per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

This position offers flexibility, paid wellness time, and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects. Learn more about our On‑Demand Employee Benefits and Career Development Guide.

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact [e-mail] or call 1 480 581 5378.If you require assistance with the application process, please contact [e-mail].

Use of Technology in Hiring

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience.

Candidate Use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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