Environmental Scientist – Ecologist/Biologist (Mid-level)

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that’s vital to our clients and the communities they serve.

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 clients in the renewable energy, electric transmission, pipeline, transportation, and other business sectors. This opportunity can be located in Stantec's Chattanooga, TN, Nashville, TN, Memphis, TN, Louisville, KY, or Lexington, KY offices.

As an Environmental Scientist/Ecologist, you will work in a highly dynamic team environment with other biologists, ecologists, water resource specialists, ecosystem restoration engineers, NEPA specialists, environmental planners, and regulatory experts. This role involves extensive travel and several days in the field and away from home, as well as some office work.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams that collect and report on tasks including wetland delineations, wildlife surveys and habitat characterizations, land use mapping and vegetation cover classification, and other natural resource-focused surveys.
• Coordinate agency communications, 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 the 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.
• Assist with and prepare portions of written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for client and regulatory agency review.
• Provide GPS data collection, processing, and mapping support.
• Use ArcGIS online mapping and data collection applications.
• Build and maintain productive professional and personal networking relationships within your technical team and Business Center.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an environmental discipline (biology, ecology, natural resources, soil science, or related field) with demonstrated experience in biological surveys in the region.
• 5–10 years of experience, with experience leading field teams in natural resource inventories and surveys.
• 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 understanding of technical environmental impact analysis methods related to state and federal environmental regulations.
• Ability to solve problems using critical thinking and complete tasks with consideration to safety.
• Positive attitude in all working conditions.
• Ability to work well in a team atmosphere and independently as required.
• Working understanding of policies and procedures for HSSE, including client-specific training (as required).
• Willingness to learn new skills while conducting field work.
• 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.
• Field work may include exposure to the elements, including inclement weather.
• Comfort with computers and hand-held GPS units or other similar GPS-based survey equipment.
• Technical writing skills.
• Ability to lift and move items and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Where lawful, may require post-employment drug testing based on client needs and requirements.

Benefits

Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Wellness program, health saving accounts, and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan and employee stock purchase program.
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Short-term/long-term disability plans.
• Emergency travel benefits and tuition reimbursement.
• Professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave.
• Ten paid holidays per calendar year.
• Vacation accrual between 10 and 20 days per year.
• Paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).

Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.