July 2023
Biologist II, Natural Resources – Durango, Colorado
Do you have a passion for the Environment, Ecology, or Wildlife Biology? Working on projects based in wilderness, national parks, national forests, and other public lands? Do you have mad skills at delineating wetlands, identifying vegetation communities including noxious weeds, planning ecological restoration, and applying for Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permitting? Do you enjoy identifying wildlife, bird species, or habitat for threatened and endangered species? How about combining your skills and passion to solve intricate challenges through teamwork and technical expertise – sound like you? Great! If so, ERO is for you. We are seeking a Biologist II for our Durango, Colorado office.
At ERO, we have been solving environmental challenges for more than 40 years. Our diverse team of scientists, planners, and subject matter experts work together to craft innovative solutions within multiple regulatory frameworks while balancing change in our region with natural and cultural resources protection. Did we mention ERO is a certified women-owned business in Colorado?
We’re always looking for dynamic and engaged people to join our team! Bring your expertise, your ingenuity, and your vision. Let’s see the impact we can create, together.
Join the ERO Team!
The Biologist II position will work in collaboration with our natural resources group to support new and existing wetland, wildlife, and natural resource projects based out of our Durango office. The ideal candidate for this position will apply their ecological knowledge to evaluate a variety of project sites for natural resource concerns, provide guidance to clients on those resources, and prepare and review natural resource reports and permit applications.
Position Overview
ERO is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced biologist/ecologist with an emphasis on CWA Section 404 permitting. Primary duties include delineating wetlands, identifying vegetation communities including noxious weeds, ecological restoration and wetland mitigation planning, and CWA Section 404 permitting. Depending on experience, other duties could include restoration design, Endangered Species Act (ESA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, and other environmental planning and management services. This position is responsible for undertaking multiple project responsibilities, including field direction, technical writing, and project management. The applicant should be knowledgeable in data collection, analysis, and interpretation of scientific information and environmental regulations and in preparing various environmental documents.
Responsibilities
- Accurately recognize and identify plants during fieldwork and mapping of vegetation communities.
- Assist in leading a variety of projects for CWA Section 404 permitting, including functional wetland and stream assessments, wetland mitigation plan development, and ESA compliance.
- Perform wetland delineations, including categorization of wetland resources to Cowardin class.
- Assist with detailed data analysis and complete legally defensible documents; specifically, wetland delineation reports and permitting documentation such as preconstruction notifications, biological resource reports, vegetation management plans, vegetation technical reports, and Individual Permit applications.
- Establish fieldwork and reporting schedule, provide project updates to staff and clients, and manage client communication and coordination.
- Participate in business development activities (with new or existing clients) such as proposals and scopes of work.
Skills, Abilities, and Requirements
- In-depth understanding of federal and state natural resource regulations, including CWA, ESA, and NEPA.
- Research, develop, and write technical reports on natural resources.
- Understand construction drawings and specifications to determine impacts on wetlands or other resources and coordinate with clients to develop site-specific restoration plans.
- Travel throughout the western U.S. for projects will be required. Travel from April through August may be up to 40 percent, with occasional travel the remainder of the year.
- Schedule is fieldwork dependent and may include variable hours, long days, early mornings, and weekends. Overtime will be compensated based on company policies.
- Training in plant identification and knowledge of wetland species indicator status.
- Professionalism, integrity, and comfort working with people are of the utmost importance as the position requires regular contact with clients, engineers, and regulators.
- Communicate professionally and effectively with project teams and regulators, both in writing and verbally.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and solution-oriented thinker with a strong work ethic.
- Proven ability to handle multiple priorities and be self-directed.
- Ability to collaborate with field teams and cross-functional teams throughout the company.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products and Adobe Acrobat.
Physical Requirements
The project areas may be located at high elevations in rugged terrain. Applicants must be physically capable and possess the skills necessary to perform all aspects of fieldwork including strenuous hiking with a heavy backpack in rugged terrain up to 10 miles a day. Applicants must be able to lift 30 to 50 pounds. Work may also include periods of sedentary work including sitting/standing and use of a computer. Overnight travel will be required.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, natural resources, botany, watershed science, or a similar discipline.
- Prior completion of an approved wetland delineation course preferred.
- Master’s degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
- Minimum of 5 to 7 years of professional experience in the field of ecological restoration, natural resource assessments, and/or wetland permitting and compliance.
- Previous experience working for an environmental consulting firm desired.
What We Offer at ERO
ERO offers a very competitive compensation package that includes:
- Salary position with a pay range of $55,000 to $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
- 10 hours/month paid vacation accrual (separate sick leave bank).
- 11 paid holidays that include office closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
- ERO pays on average 80 percent of health, dental, vision, and other insurance packages.
- 401(k) and financial planning assistance.
- Generous cell phone, field equipment, and office equipment stipend.
- Annual profit sharing and retirement plan contributions.
- Education opportunities including external workshops, classes, and mentorship with ERO principals.
- Opportunities for advancement, including opportunities for associate and board-level ownership for the right candidate.
ERO encourages anyone meeting these requirements and enthusiastic about joining our team to apply today. Email a cover letter, resume describing your education and experience, with Biologist II – Durango in the subject line to opportunities@eroresources.com. Adobe pdf format is preferred. Only potential candidates will be contacted for interviews.
ERO participates in e-verify and preemployment background screening services. ERO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans to apply. For more information about ERO, visit our website at www.eroresources.com.