Associate/Senior Ecologist at Great Ecology

Great Ecology is an ecological consulting firm focused on the planning and design of natural and constructed environments through sustainable solutions. The company was founded to help repair the world through ecology, and continues to operate with the ultimate purpose of expanding the ecological horizon for leading corporations and public agencies. As such, the Great Ecology team works with a wide range of clients to add ecological and economic value to developed, degraded, contaminated, and underutilized sites.

We work together in a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and engaging environment that fosters innovation in science and design while encouraging individual initiative, creativity, and ability. With offices in the western, mountain, and eastern regions of the United States, Great Ecology provides opportunities to work in a variety of ecosystems including aquatic and marine habitats.

Job Description

We are looking for an Associate or Senior Ecologist with a strong background in project management to join an interdisciplinary team of scientists, landscape architects, and planners working on restoration and natural resource management projects throughout the United States. This position is for an intermediate or senior level staff member who will be based in our San Diego office and will assist with assembling teams and managing projects company-wide. Candidates must have some combination of the following: 

• Master’s degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or related field;
• At least 5 years of relevant experience planning, designing, permitting, and/or managing the design or construction of restoration projects;
• Critical thinking with strong problem-solving skills and experience contributing towards complex restoration planning;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to present scientific solutions to clients in a clear, professional manner; and
• Works well both independently and in a team environment.

As Great Ecology is in the process of expanding our Natural Resource Damage practices, the ideal candidate will help manage related projects. We look forward to interviewing candidates who thrive in a problem-solving environment and are excited to support leadership in growing our business.

This position is an opportunity to join and expand our team of passionate professionals and leaders in the industry who are fully committed to helping to repair the world through “Great Ecology”!

Responsibilities

We are seeking applicants who are comfortable and confident with the following responsibilities:

• Lead as program or project manager for large, multi-year contracts and provide superior client service and management;
• Assemble technical teams to provide design services, obtain approvals, implement; restoration and mitigation projects, and oversee and manage monitoring efforts;
• Act as client point of contact for existing projects and for developing new business;
• Guide the preparation of and provide senior review for technical reports; and
• Set the direction for large proposal efforts and oversee production of small proposals.

Skills & Experience

We are seeking applicants who meet the following qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher;
• Experience working with regulators to obtain environmental permits;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly and concisely; communicate complex ideas as a writer and public speaker;
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills: confidence in dealing with clients and team members at all levels and functions of the organization;
• Ability to solve complex problems and provide innovative, unique solutions;
• Strong organizational and project management skills;
• Self-starter who can work independently and is rigorously detail-oriented; and
• Advanced experience in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Project.

Preferred but not required

Preference may be given to applicants who provide these skills or are interested in developing them:

• Experience with Natural Resource Damages (NRD) and other state and/or federal frameworks for regulating natural resources;
• Ability to assess areas for their potential as viable restoration or mitigation sites and understand the local, state, and federal regulations that will guide the project; 
• Familiarity with mitigation and/or conservation banking;
• Proficient in GIS ArcMap, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and construction documents;
• Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Western United States, and preferably with other regions of the U.S.; and
• Demonstrated experience in networking with regional organizations that would promote Great Ecology’s brand in the development of new business.

Additional Information

For more information about our firm and to apply, visit our website: www.greatecology.com.