Sr. Consultant/Senior Habitat Ecologist/Restoration Planner

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Habitat Restoration Planner to join our dynamic and growing ecological team in Wisconsin. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in restoration planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Grow our ecology practice by developing new and existing clients and markets while cross-selling GEI’s core business areas.
• Develop and implement strategies and action plans that align with both organizational goals and regional conservation priorities.
• Prepare detailed project proposals, budgets, and timelines.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, staff and other resources.
• Oversee and manage habitat restoration projects with varying levels of complexity and size from inception to completion that meet environmental and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical guidance and support in the design, implementation, and monitoring of habitat restoration projects, including site assessments and ecological evaluations.
• Work with technical staff and project managers to develop natural heritage inventories and impact assessments.
• Develop survey plans for use by field crews, adhering to best practices and safety protocols, for site assessments and ecological surveys, as needed, to inform project design.
• Collaborate with governmental agencies, non-profits, local communities, and other stakeholders to foster partnerships and secure project support.
• Prepare reports, publications, and presentations to communicate project findings and contribute to the scientific community.
• Provide QAQC for summary memos, technical reports, figures, and recommendations to clients.
• Help develop business by leveraging relationships and knowledge of clients, programs, and regulations.
• Stay up to date with the latest research and developments in habitat restoration and ecological science.
• Work with contractors and subcontractors to complete work to project specifications and agency standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in habitat restoration, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex environmental projects, including budget and timeline management.
• Strong knowledge of ecological principles and restoration techniques pertinent to the Great Lakes region.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and develop creative and practical solutions to restoration challenges.
• Willingness to travel and work in various field conditions as required by project demands.

Qualifications

• Professional certifications related to environmental planning or habitat restoration (e.g., Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, arborist, etc.)
• Familiarity with the Great Lakes region’s ecological, cultural, and regulatory landscape.
• Experience with wetland and stream mitigation banking, such as site selection, design, permitting, construction oversight, and monitoring.
• Experience with projects that incorporate aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial habitat elements.
• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and other relevant software tools for environmental analysis and mapping.
• 10-15 years of direct environmental consulting experience in the Great Lakes region preferred, with considerable experience in Wisconsin.