Category Ecological
Location Plymouth, MI
Open Date 8/16/2024
Description Position Description
The Ecologist III is responsible for completing scientific tasks for the ecological services department, including wetland delineation and other field work, writing reports, permitting, assist with training field staff and client/agency coordination. The Ecologist III will be the technical lead to project teams to help communicate the technical details and aspects of a project to the client and help facilitate communication and coordination with regulatory agencies. Ecologist III will be considered an integral part of highly technical projects with multiple layers of regulatory approvals.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide technical expertise for multidisciplinary projects where it relates to permitting or compliance issues
- Work with multidisciplinary project teams managing complex environmental issues, helping clients achieve and maintain regulatory compliance
- Conduct wetland delineations using State and Federal delineation methodologies
- Conduct wetland inventories and functional assessments
- Conduct ecological and/or rare species studies
- Manage and perform additional field work such as ecological surveys, stream assessments, mitigation site monitoring, and evaluate other natural resources
- Prepare wetland mitigation and/or wetland restoration plans
- Prepare permit applications for submittal to local, state, and federal agencies
- Responsible for compliance/construction monitoring and reporting
- Participate in threatened and endangered species surveys and compliance
- Write technical and research reports, including wetland delineation, wetland and/or stream monitoring, site characterization studies, habitat assessments, and communicate results to Project Managers, clients and government agencies
- Maintain exceptional internal and external client relations as assigned
- Work with management, clients, contractors, and local government officials to ensure all project deliverables - from conceptual and design phases through regulatory review process, bidding, and construction, to project completion
- Manage the technical aspects of projects with multiple layers of regulatory approvals
- Identify training, resources, materials or equipment required to complete tasks
- Identify potential issues ahead of time and proactively solve problems
- Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to ecological work - ensuring timely document delivery
- Coordinate with Project Managers to help ensure project profitability
- Complete field work to support stream assessments, wetland delineations, vegetation surveys, monitoring reports, ecological surveys, etc.
- Maintain accurate field notes and maps, project files, work logs, etc.
- Assist in creating project proposals, cost estimates and project plans
- Prepare technical and research reports, including wetland delineation, stream assessments, ecological survey, habitat assessments, environmental impacts, and communicate the results to project managers, clients and governmental agencies
- Prepare Biological Assessments and develop practices to avoid, minimize, or mitigate conflicts with sensitive species and regulated habitats (e.g., wetlands)
- All other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology or related field and/or equivalent combination of education & professional experience
- Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Wetland Botanist or seasoned wetland delineator preferred Minimum ten to fifteen (10-15) years applicable experience
- Wide range of experience in wetland delineation
- Familiarity with USACE wetland delineation methods (Regional Supplements) and wetland and stream assessment procedures
- Understand and be familiar with the USACE and Midwest state regulations relating to Clean Water Act permitting
- Experience working with GPS units and related software (ESRI, Pathfinder Office, etc.)
- Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel to the corporate office as well as local clients and project sites
- Excellent concentration and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail
- Exceptional written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams including technical and non-technical personnel
- Resourceful, action-oriented, creative, and analytical thinker
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively under tight deadlines as well as balance multiple projects by prioritizing effectively
- Ability to work in fast paced environment with frequent changing prioritizes
- Strong planning, organization, preparation, and execution capabilities
- Open to new ideas, innovation, and comfortable working in a dynamic working environment
- Strong problem solving/analytical skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel
Work Environment and Physical Demands
- A mixture of field work and office work which is dependent on project needs; must be able to work in extreme heat and cold
- Ability to travel overnight and/or work in the field up to 75% of the time
- Regularly required to walk long distances, on uneven terrain, or navigate through vegetated areas
- Frequently lifts or moves objects up to 50 pounds
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus
About the Organization Metro Consulting Associates (MCA) is a multifaceted energy, land, and community development firm that serves both private and public sector clients throughout the Midwestern United States and beyond. Founded in 2009 as a land surveying firm, MCA has grown to provide a mix of services, talent, and technology driven by client needs and community goals to make life better.
With the capabilities and expertise typically found in large, multidisciplinary firms, combined with the agile project management and budget-friendly services of a smaller firm, Metro Consulting Associates delivers on value. Serving clients in the power and energy, municipal, land development, and oil and gas markets, MCA's technical expertise will satisfy any and all emerging challenges, taking you where you want to go.
EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Company WebsiteThis position is currently accepting applications.