Wetland Scientist

Align; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Hybrid work model

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) and profit sharing

Stock ownership opportunities

Job summary

Fishbeck is seeking a Wetland Scientist to lead ecological consulting work and grow our Midwest practice. You will manage clients, projects, budgets, and schedules while delivering wetland delineations, permitting, mitigation, species surveys, and technical reports.

You will conduct field and desktop assessments, support environmental and civil engineering projects, and help grow our ecological practice with strong writing and communication skills. Travel and hybrid work are available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in botany, wetland ecology, soil science, natural resource management, or related fields.
• Wetland mitigation and ecological restoration experience desired.
• 5+ years of experience in wetland delineation, water resources permitting, botany, or a similar environmental consulting field.
• Ability to obtain certification as a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, Certified Ecologist, Certified Arborist, Professional Wetland Scientist, Professional Wildlife Biologist, or Professional Landscape Architect is strongly desired.
• Strong field botany skills and local plant identification.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and sound professional judgment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and common computer programs.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork indoors and outdoors with lifting, hiking, and exposure to plants.

Responsibilities

• Manage clients, projects, budgets, and schedules.
• Oversee development of reports, rare species protection, and wetland impact measures.
• Lead and conduct natural features assessments, surveys, permitting, and reporting.
• Execute flora and fauna surveys.
• Conduct wetland delineations, soil, vegetation, and hydrology workups.
• Perform endangered species evaluations and site characterization.
• Determine water resources permitting requirements for agencies.
• Read historic maps, GPS data, and aerial photos.
• Prepare proposals, work plans, and technical reports.
• Manage project budgets and schedules.
• Travel to project sites with overnight stays.
• Assist with other environmental field services as needed.

Skills

Technical writing

Communication

Project management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor of Science in botany or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

For over 70 years, Fishbeck has been building. As a 100% employee-owned firm, every team member has a stake in what we build together—our work, our reputation, and our future. We are seeking a Wetland Scientist to lead ecological consulting work and help grow our practice throughout the Midwest.

We are looking to service our clients from the ground up and grow our ecological team throughout the Midwest. To accomplish this, we need to grow our ecological team.

In this role, you will manage client relationships and projects while providing ecological consulting services in support of environmental and civil engineering projects, including wetland delineation, permitting, mitigation, species evaluations, tree surveys, vegetation monitoring, and technical report preparation.

What You’ll Do

• Manage clients, projects, budgets, and schedules.
• Oversee the development of reports, rare species protective measures, and wetland impact minimization measures.
• Lead and conduct natural features assessments via desktop and field review, threatened and endangered species surveys and permitting, wetland delineation and permitting, ecological monitoring, environmental education, and community outreach activities, and prepare graphics, data, written reports/documentation, presentations, and educational documents.
• Execute flora and fauna surveys.
• Conduct wetland delineations and site assessments, including soil, vegetation, and hydrology characterization.
• Perform threatened and endangered species evaluations, tree surveys, vegetation monitoring, and site characterization.
• Determine and fulfill water resources permitting requirements for local, state, and federal agencies.
• Read and interpret historical maps, GPS data, and aerial photographs.
• Prepare proposals, work plans, and technical reports.
• Manage project budgets and schedules.
• Travel to project sites around the state with occasional overnight stays.
• Assist with other environmental division field services as needed.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor of Science in botany, wetland ecology, soil science, natural resource management, or related fields.
• Wetland mitigation and ecological restoration experience desired.
• 5+ years of experience in wetland delineation, water resources permitting, botany, or a similar environmental consulting field.
• Ability to obtain certification as a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, Certified Ecologist, Certified Arborist, Professional Wetland Scientist, Professional Wildlife Biologist, or Professional Landscape Architect is strongly desired.
• Working knowledge of wetland delineation techniques and strong field botany skills, including local plant identification.
• Strong technical writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Juggle multiple projects and changing priorities without missing deadlines or losing sight of the overall project goals.
• Work independently with little direct supervision, self-motivated with sound professional judgment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products and other common computer programs.
• Able to conduct fieldwork indoors and outdoors, including moderate lifting, carrying, hiking through uneven terrain, driving to project sites, and working in areas where poisonous plants may be present.

What We Offer

Our staff members enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Wellness reimbursement and activities
• Reimbursement and support for tuition, continuing education, and professional/personal development
• Vacation and sick time, volunteer PTO, parental leave, and paid holidays
• Opportunities for hybrid and flexible schedules
• 401(k), profit sharing, and stock ownership opportunities (employee ownership)
• And more!

We are an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

Build Your Future Here

Candidates for this position can reside in Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana.