Field Ecologist

About the Job

Water & Land Solutions (WLS) has an immediate opening for a mitigation field ecology specialist to join our team in our West Virginia region. We have some exciting projects in the pipeline, with more on the horizon! This role's main responsibility is to be a technical leader in producing mitigation documents (i.e., prospectus, banking instruments/mitigation plans, and monitoring reports). The Field Ecologist plays a significant role in ensuring that projects are completed on time and comply with all state and federal regulations. You will also assist with evaluating new projects. Our Mitigation Field Ecologist develops positive relationships with landowners, regulatory agencies, consultants, and land trusts in the environmental permitting and mitigation industries. This position is expected to demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, a team mentality, independent problem-solving, and practical communication skills.

What You Will Do

• Perform field data collection and analysis (i.e., vegetation, soil, groundwater, geomorphic survey, water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates) using the latest regulatory guidance and functional assessment methodologies.
• Calculate mitigation credit using approved methodologies within the Huntington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Louisville Corps of Engineers Districts.
• Execute and assist with stream and wetland delineations
• Assist in the preparation of regulatory documents, including 404/401 permits, mitigation banking documents, monitoring reports, and endangered species reports
• Provide construction oversight assistance
• Utilize ArcGIS mapping to support permit applications and document production.

Ideal Candidates

• BA/BS degree; preferable in Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife or Fisheries Management, Agricultural Science, or comparable education/experience
• A professional background in the environmental consulting field (wetland delineation, 404 permitting, mitigation bank prospectus and mitigation banking instrument development, and aquatic resourcing functional assessment methods is a bonus
• Expertise in Project Management
• Expertise in comprehensive native and invasive species vegitatation surveys
  
• Experience in stream and wetland delineation?
  
• Should be a strong communicator and multi-tasker who can work on several projects at once
• Has strong technical writing skills
• Knowledge or experience with ESRI ArcGIS is preferred
• Demonstrated organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Can travel with occasional overnight stays
• Ability to operate company vehicles, including trailer towing

Perks You Will Enjoy

• Compensation commensurate with experience
• PTO and paid holidays
• Life Insurance and Health, Vision, and Dental benefits
• Retirement plan with company match
• Performance-based raises and bonuses
• Life Insurance and Health, Vision, and Dental benefits

About Us

At Water & Land Solutions (WLS) we are dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting environmentally sensitive habitats through sound, strong, economic, and ecological partnerships. We place equal value on growing personal relationships and positively impacting people throughout our process. WLS provides opportunities to work in a positive, flexible environment dedicated to technical excellence. We strive to put people first, and our expertise, work ethic, and focus create a dynamic and rewarding work environment. WLS is a rapidly growing company with offices in five states.

Water & Land Services is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. At Water & Land Services, we know that diversity and inclusion among our teammates are critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.