Restoration Ecologist

WHO WE ARE
Supported by more than 3,400 employees in nearly 100 locations across the United States, we provide a full continuum of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. Our clients include U.S. federal, state and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker is committed to delivering a standard of excellence that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve our clients' complex challenges.

PLANNING PRACTICE

We create, integrate,  visualize  and communicate planning concepts as they move from the initial vision through implementation. Our planning professionals build strong client partnerships, working with residents, businesses, developers, educational and medical organizations, state and local governments, the military and other federal agencies to successfully plan the future of their communities or institutions. At Michael Baker International, we focus on people and places, improving communities and creating more sustainable, convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Michael Baker International is seeking a detail-oriented Restoration Ecologist with a strong interest in establishing and maintaining habitat restoration sites. The successful candidate would assist with day-to day projects at the direction of the Michael Baker Natural Resources Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of experienced Restoration Ecologists, biologists, planners, GIS analysts, landscape architects, and engineers dedicated to having a positive impact through intentional work. The Restoration Ecologist will be expected to provide field assistance, data analysis, and technical review to support Michael Baker International's multi-disciplinary planning services for federal, state, and local government clients, as well as private sector clients.

Responsibilities include: 

• Prepare Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plans as well as Long Term Management Plans.
• Collect and compile a variety of quantitative and qualitative data to prepare reports and maps, includes technical writing and analysis.
• Perform habitat restoration site implementation monitoring and photo-documentation.
• Conduct local biological surveys and fieldwork data collection (within a two-hour drive).
• Conduct construction mitigation monitoring (overseeing seeding, planting, and weed abatement) and prepare summary memos of the work effort.
• Prepare technical research and report writing (e.g., annual reports, memos, wetland and biological reports).
• Support with regulatory permitting as needed.
• Support the facilitation of both in-person and virtual community/stakeholder outreach and engagement.
• Training on items above. 

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or other related field is required.
• 2-4 years of experience with biological services-oriented work including involvement and proficiency with regulatory compliance and permitting such as CEQA/NEPA, ESA and CWA, for a variety of development, restoration, and mitigation projects.
• Possesses strong analytical skills, excellent writing and oral communications skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Driver's License.
• Must be able to travel in southern California and hike in different weather conditions and sometimes difficult terrain.
• Ability to work both remotely and in-person at local Santa Ana office.
• Strong technical writing skills. Please submit a technical writing sample. 

PREFERRED 

• Botanical knowledge of the southern California area.
• Basic understanding of environmental regulations (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, CWA, and ESA).
• Proficiency in GIS.
• Industry involvement (such as SER, SERCAL, ESA, or similar).

COMPENSATION
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $99,000. This will be dependent on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate.

BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Medical, dental, vision insurance  
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability  
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off  
• Commuter and wellness benefits  

WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY: Whether you want to work in the office, at home, or in a hybrid model, we accommodate a variety of preferences. We recognize our employees face many factors when it comes to selecting the best work location, and we are passionate about providing options and flexibility.