Environmental Scientist – Ecologist/Biologist (Mid-level)

About the role

Stantec’s southeastern environmental services group is seeking a mid-level Environmental Scientist/Ecologist to lead environmental field surveys, reporting, and permitting support for our clients in the renewable energy, electric transmission, pipeline, transportation, and other business sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams that collect and report on tasks that include, wetland delineations, wildlife surveys and habitat characterizations, land use mapping and vegetation cover classification, and other natural resource-focused surveys.
• Cook up and oversee technical assessments, and guide project teams through successful execution.
• Lead or assist with permitting efforts at the local, state, and federal level including agency coordination with United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), following NEPA, Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Clean Water Act (CWA) compliance as well as applicable state regulations.
• Aid in and prepare portions of written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for client and regulatory agency review.
• GPS data collection, processing, and mapping support.
• ArcGIS online mapping and data collection applications.

Requirements

• Strong field identification and classification skills of U.S. Southeast regional plant species and/or experience in bat mist net surveys is preferred.
• Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional (QHP) or QHP-IT certification preferred.
• Demonstrated level of understanding of technical environmental impact analysis methods related to state and federal environmental regulations.
• The ability to solve problems using critical thinking and to complete tasks with consideration to their own and the team's safety is important.
• A positive attitude in all working conditions is key.
• Experienced at working well in a team atmosphere and independently as required.
• Working understanding of policies and procedures for HSSE, including client-specific training (as required).
• Must have the willingness to learn new skills while conducting field work.
• Builds and maintains productive professional and personal networking relationships within their technical team and Business Center.
• Good driving record and valid driver’s license required.
• Willingness to travel and conduct field work in potentially remote areas for extended periods (up to 75% of the time) including overnight travel is expected for this position.
• Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.
• Must be comfortable with computers and hand-held GPS units or other similar GPS based survey equipment.
• Technical writing skills are necessary for this position.
• Ability to lift and move items and equipment up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have at minimum, a bachelor's degree in an environmental discipline (biology, ecology, natural resources, soil science, or related natural resources field) with demonstrated experience with biological surveys in the region.
• Experience of 5-10 years is desired, with experience leading field teams in natural resource inventories and surveys.
• Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time.
• Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.