Restoration Ecologist
Denver, Colorado
Do you have a passion for the Environment, Ecology, or native ecosystem Restoration? Working on projects to restore streams, wetland and riparian habitat, and native vegetation? Do you have skills at delineating wetlands, identifying plants with a dichotomous key, designing seed mixes and plantings for ecological restoration, and monitoring restoration to achieve Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 compliance? 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 Restoration Ecologist for our Denver, Colorado office.
At ERO, we have provided our clients the above services for more than 40 years. Our diverse team of scientists, planners, and subject matter experts work together to craft innovative solutions within regulatory framework while balancing change in our region with natural and cultural resources protection. Did we mention ERO is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE)?
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.
Position Overview
ERO is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Restoration Ecologist with an emphasis on native ecosystem restoration, wetland ecology and mitigation, botany, and CWA Section 404 permitting. Primary duties include vegetation community and rare plant surveys, wetland and upland restoration designs, wetland delineation and CWA Section 404 permitting, and restoration construction monitoring. Depending on experience, other duties could include Endangered Species Act 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.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, botany, environmental science, ecological restoration, natural resource planning, or similar discipline.
- 4 to 7 years of applicable experience, with preference for Colorado-based experience.
Performance Expectations and Responsibilities
Restoration Ecologists are required to conduct these tasks safely, independently, and efficiently under limited supervision and within the applicable timeframe and schedule. The position requires a “consultant” approach and mentality to meet project schedule requirements and demands. Restoration Ecologists’s must be able to work variable hours, long days, and early mornings as the workload dictates. Overnight travel may be required. This position is based in an ERO designated office with an option for a hybrid work schedule based on employee performance, business needs, fieldwork, and client needs.
Expected Pre-Field Duties (10% of time)
- Assist in equipment organization and preparation for fieldwork as requested.
- Be familiar with scope of services to work within a project’s budget.
- Complete or direct completion of safety forms, equipment preparation, and loading equipment.
- Complete or direct desktop review of project areas, including reviewing databases for wetlands and open water, raptor nests, and federally listed species.
- Complete or direct coordination with GIS on creating maps for fieldwork.
- Coordinate with junior staff for field needs.
Expected Field Duties (50% of time)
- Assist with all tasks during in-field site documentation as directed, including, but not limited to:
- Drive a company vehicle, if requested.
- Complete or direct collection of digital and spatial data with tablets, digital cameras, and GPS units.
- Complete or direct collection of digital or hard copy field forms such as wetland delineation forms, raptor survey forms, or other forms as needed.
- Complete or direct digging soil pits up to 2 feet deep using a shovel or auger.
- Collect and identify vegetation.
- Mark aerial photographs with vegetation community boundaries, noxious weeds, wildlife, or other sensitive natural resources.
- Follow ERO’s safety plan and guidelines.
- Record accurate and detailed notes, digital photography, and mapping.
- Ensure that all field forms completed by assigned crew are filled out accurately and completely.
Expected Post-Field Duties (approximately 25 to 50% of time)
- Ensure proper upload/scan or transfer all field data into the appropriate server files daily, including supervising technicians if needed.
- Complete or direct resource documentation on appropriate forms and maps accurately, as assigned.
- Complete or direct coordination with GIS staff to modify and create figures for reports.
- Prepare seed mixes, planting lists, specifications, and placement of plant material for wetland and riparian mitigation/restoration projects.
- Complete regulatory documents independently, thoroughly, within schedule, and within budget, including wetland delineation reports, vegetation assessments, rare plant survey reports, habitat assessments, and preconstruction notifications.
- Prepare and assist with drafting large technical reports with direction from project managers, such as individual permits, biological assessments, or technical reports for NEPA projects.
- Complete regulatory documents on time, within budget, and thoroughly, with few edits or direction required from project managers.
- Complete or direct coordination with editors to review final deliverables.
- Complete scopes of work as requested by project managers, clients, and teaming partners.
- Effectively communicate with clients and teaming partners on project deliverables, schedules, etc.
Leadership Responsibilities
Biologist IIs are expected to take on a leadership role. This includes:
- Ensuring assigned field crew stay on task.
- Being responsible for field crew-level data quality control.
- Being proactive, taking initiative, and sharing responsibility to maintain equipment, keep office and natural resources field equipment organized, complete tasks, and assist with Quality Assurance/Quality Control.
- Setting an example for seasonal staff or field technicians through professional, hard, and focused work.
Skills and Abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products and Adobe Acrobat.
- Proficiency in digital data entry including Microsoft Access, Trimble GPS units, and tablets.
- Effective communication skills, written and verbal, and ability to interact and communicate with clients and agencies.
- Organization, ability to manage multiple priorities, and oversight of project staff and deliverables.
- Ability to identify common and rare species in Colorado, including vegetation and wildlife.
- Technical training in wetland delineations or similar technical field.
- Lead, manage, and provide direction to team members and field staff.
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 field backpack in rugged terrain up to 10 miles a day, collecting digital data, completing standard resource forms, performing in-field data analysis, and taking photographs. Must be able to lift 30 pounds. Work may also include periods of sedentary work including sitting, standing, and using a computer.
ERO offers a very competitive compensation package that includes:
- Salary position with a pay range of $62,000 to $76,000 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 and field / office equipment stipend.
- Annual profit sharing and retirement plan contributions.
- Educational 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.
Qualified applicants should send an email with a PDF cover letter, resume, and writing sample to opportunities@eroresources.com with Restoration Ecologist in the subject line.
ERO participates in e-verify and preemployment background screening services.
It is the continuous practice of ERO Resources Corporation to encourage inclusion and provide equal opportunities in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors. For more information about ERO, visit our website at www.eroresources.com.