Senior Ecologist/Natural Resource Specialist

Description

Your role at GEI.

GEI’s Mid Atlantic offices are seeking a Senior Ecologist or Natural Resource Specialist to plan and lead the preparation of natural resources related permit application documents (wetland and waterways) in support of water, energy, development and environmental projects. This role will include project planning and management; preparation of proposals; client, subcontractor and agency interaction; preparation of monitoring reports and other technical support. Field activities will include natural resources investigations, wetland delineations, wetland restoration monitoring and inspections.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

• Prepare federal, state and local environmental permit application documents including NEPA, CWA Section 404, NHPA Section 106, ESA Section 7
• Prepare Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies (e.g., project pre-application meetings, comment response letters, review status calls/emails)
• Perform natural resources investigations and wetland delineations based on USACE Methodology
• Assist with botanical inventories, threatened and endangered species presence/absence searches and habitat suitability assessments, ecological community mapping
• Assist with project management tasks including budget preparation and tracking, scheduling, and interaction with clients.
• Assist with proposals and business development activities for the office and region.
• Assist solar developers and land-based and offshore wind developers with identifying and obtaining local, state, and federal ecological permit approvals to allow for construction.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Ecology, Natural Resources, Planning or related discipline
• 15+ years professional experience, of which 5+ years is regulatory permitting and/or planning experience in Maryland, DC and/or Virginia.
• PWS (Professional Wetland Scientist) or PWD (Professional Wetland Delineator, Virginia Specific) certifications
• NEPA experience preparing Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws, rules, and regulations related to waters of the US (e.g., Clean Water Act) and sensitive environments (e.g., NEPA, ESA)
• Work experience with regulatory agencies in land use environmental permit programs on federal, state, and local levels
• Experience preparing permit applications for USACE Section 10 and 404, state wetland, and waterways permits.
• Strong verbal and technical writing skills. Collaboration, negotiation, and communication skills. Strong organization skills with great attention to detail.
• May require out of town work at remote locations.
• Valid U.S driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Energy generation, transmission, and distribution experience, preferably including solar and land-based and offshore wind.
• ArcGIS v.10 program proficiency
• Marine or fisheries experience preferred

We are GEI.

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.

With more than 40 offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry.

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.

As a 100% employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Benefits

• Market-Competitive Compensation
• Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision and More
• Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Rewards and Recognition
• GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
• And More…

Physical Job Requirements

X

Sedentary

Light

Medium

Other

Activity Level Throughout Workday

Physical Activity Requirements

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

Continuous

(67-100% of day)

Not Applicable

Sitting

(6-8 hrs)

Standing

(0-1 hrs)

Walking

(0-1 hrs)

Climbing

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

(0-10 lbs)

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

(0-10 lbs)

Carrying objects

(0-1 hrs)

Push/pull

Twisting

(0-1 hrs)

Bending

(0-1 hrs)

Reaching forward

(0-1 hrs)

Reaching overhead

(0-1 hrs)

Squat/kneel/crawl

Wrist position deviation

(3-5 hrs)

Pinching/fine motor skills

(1-2 hrs)

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

(6-8 hrs)

Taste or smell (taste=never)

(0-1 hrs)

Talk or hear

(3-5 hrs)

Accurate 20/40

Very Accurate 20/20

Not Applicable

Near Vision

X

Far Vision

X

Yes

No

Not Applicable

Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)

X

Sensory Requirements

Minimal

Moderate

Accurate

Not Applicable

Depth perception

Hearing

Environmental Requirements

Occupational Exposure Risk Potential

Reasonably Anticipated

Not Anticipated

Blood borne pathogens

X

Chemical

X

Airborne communicable diseases

X

Extreme temperatures

X

Radiation

X

Uneven surfaces or elevations

X

Extreme noise levels

X

Dust/particular matter

X

Other (exposure risk):

Usual workday hours:

X

8

10

12

Other work hours

GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.