Restoration Ecologist/Technical Project Manager

About the role

This role is a hybrid position combining remote and office-based work. It involves task leadership in implementing and managing restoration projects across Southern California. Responsibilities include innovative onsite restoration planning and implementation, environmental mitigation and conservation planning, and creative integration of natural resource analysis and project design.

Responsibilities

• Perform as contributor and/or lead author on large natural resources documents such as Habitat Restoration Plans, Habitat Management and Mitigation Plans, Weed Control Plans, Special-status Plant Restoration Plans, and project reports.
• Participate in and/or lead meetings with clients and resource agencies.
• Manage project timelines and expectations for project teams.
• Develop restoration plans and confidently oversee implementation of restoration activities in the field.
• Maintain positive client relationships.
• Aid in business development and support the preparation of scope/cost proposals for new projects.
• Promote a safe work culture and lead by example.
• Create and maintain Safe Work Plans.
• Oversight or preparation of permit applications for federal, state, and local regulatory entities.
• Support restoration and/or botanical fieldwork efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related field (e.g., Environmental Science, Watershed Planning, Natural Resource Management, Hydrology).
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in a restoration/botanical related field.
• Valid Driver's license is required for this role.
• US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• 10+ years of experience in the restoration/ecology/botany field or advanced degree (MS) and 8+ years of restoration/botanical related experience.
• Strong background in restoration ecology and ecological processes, including making decisions on appropriate methods for individual project needs.
• Extensive knowledge of native and non-native flora and experience identifying in the field, as well as botanical skills, including keying plants using the Jepson manual.
• Experience in biological survey fieldwork, including vegetation monitoring utilizing line-intercept, transect, and/or Releve methods, as well as experience with GPS and electronic data collection devices.
• Knowledge of major state and federal agencies (e.g., USACE, USFWS, BLM, BOR, CDFW, RWQCB, and CCC) and major regulatory frameworks (e.g., NEPA, CEQA, ESA, CESA, CFGC, CWA and CCA).
• Strong technical writing ability and experience completing Habitat Restoration Maintenance and Monitoring Reports, Mitigation and Monitoring Plans, Biological Assessments, and/or EIR/EIS sections.
• Experience supporting proposal efforts.
• Arborist Certification.
• Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control.
• Qualified SWPPP Practitioner.
• Prior consulting experience is highly desired.
• Experience overseeing restoration projects with a design element.
• Restoration construction (earthmoving) planning experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in a restoration/botanical related field.
• Valid Driver's license is required for this role.
• US Citizenship is required.