Associate Project Restoration Ecologist

About The Opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is actively seeking a Project Restoration Ecologist to support our Ecological Restoration team across Upstate New York, with the majority of work concentrated in the Syracuse and Buffalo regions. This is a full-time opportunity for a hands-on professional with strong expertise in invasive plant management and herbicide application. The role is field-intensive and critical to the successful execution of restoration projects throughout the region. Candidates must reside within driving distance of Syracuse and Buffalo, NY.

What You Will Accomplish

• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in ecological restoration, with a strong focus on invasive species management and herbicide application.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience applying herbicides; Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (NY) or ability to obtain required.
• Experience leading or supporting field crews and implementing restoration projects.
• Strong knowledge of plant identification, invasive species control techniques, and Northeast/Great Lakes ecosystems.
• Experience with ecological assessments, restoration planning, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with permitting and regulatory coordination in New York (e.g., NYSDEC).
• Proficiency in GIS tools (e.g., Collector or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• CERP certification or ability to obtain preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in ecological restoration, with a strong focus on invasive species management and herbicide application.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience applying herbicides; Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (NY) or ability to obtain required.
• Experience leading or supporting field crews and implementing restoration projects.
• Strong knowledge of plant identification, invasive species control techniques, and Northeast/Great Lakes ecosystems.
• Experience with ecological assessments, restoration planning, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with permitting and regulatory coordination in New York (e.g., NYSDEC).
• Proficiency in GIS tools (e.g., Collector or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• CERP certification or ability to obtain preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

SWCA Environmental Consultants

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 100% employee-owned company that offers a full range of environmental services. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges, all while staying true to our commitment to employee ownership. At SWCA, we live our core values every day: we collaborate as #OneSWCA, we’re #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices across the country, we’re proud to be one of the largest environmental compliance firms in the U.S. and to rank among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. In alignment with this commitment, we post good faith pay ranges in all job postings. An employee in this Amherst, MA-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $30.13 to $38.88/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses.

Total Rewards Package

Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package (https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more. We offer a supportive, team-focused work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits—including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future.

Application Deadline

We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission. If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response. EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.