Restoration Designer II-III

Title: Restoration Designer II-III

Division/Team: Water Resources

Supervisor: Water Resources Manager

Salary Range: $70,000-$95,000

About Us

Ecotone’s mission is simple and powerful: we work with nature and people to restore ecological integrity.

Position Summary

The Restoration Designer II–III supports the planning, analysis, and design of ecological restoration projects, including streams, wetlands, and riparian systems. This role contributes to project delivery through technical design, field assessments, and coordination with interdisciplinary teams.

Depending on experience, the Designer will work with moderate independence (Level II) or lead portions of design and analysis for more complex projects (Level III), while also supporting and mentoring junior staff. This position offers the opportunity to grow technical expertise while contributing to meaningful, mission-driven restoration work.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Technical Work

·        Perform restoration design and analysis tasks for stream, wetland, and ecological restoration projects.

·        Prepare technical deliverables including reports, specifications, cost estimates, and construction documents.

·        Assist with and/or lead field assessments, data collection, and QA/QC of field data and project documentation.

·        Coordinate with engineers and other disciplines to integrate grading, hydraulic modeling, and design elements.

·        Contribute to watershed analysis and application of restoration techniques and best practices.

·        Work independently on project components, with increasing responsibility for more complex tasks over time.

·        Support collaboration across teams to ensure high-quality, integrated project delivery.

For more experienced candidates (Level III):

·        Lead portions of project design, analysis, and documentation for moderate to complex projects.

·        Review work of junior staff for accuracy and completeness.

·        Provide mentorship and guidance to junior designers and field staff.

·        Assist with managing project tasks, timelines, and deliverables.

Required Qualifications

·        Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resources, or a related field.

·        Designer II: 3–5 years of experience in ecological restoration, design, or related field.

·        Designer III: 5 years of experience in ecological restoration and design.

·        Experience supporting or developing restoration design plans and technical documentation.

·        Proficiency in design and analysis tools such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS.

·        Understanding of watershed processes, stream and wetland restoration techniques, and ecological principles.

·        Ability to manage individual tasks and contribute effectively within a project team.

Preferred Qualifications

·        Experience with hydraulic modeling and integration with restoration design.

·        Familiarity with regional restoration standards, permitting processes, and regulatory requirements.

·        Experience preparing construction documents and supporting projects through implementation.

·        Strong technical writing and QA/QC skills.

·        Demonstrated ability to mentor or train junior staff (especially for Level III candidates).

·        Experience working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams in a consulting or design/build environment.

What We’re Looking For

• A collaborative team member who is passionate about ecological restoration.
• A problem-solver who can think critically about design challenges and site conditions.
• Someone who is eager to grow their technical skills while contributing to meaningful environmental outcomes.

Growth & Leveling

Candidates will be considered at the Designer II or Designer III level based on experience, technical expertise, and ability to work independently and lead project components.

Some Travel Required

Project sites are throughout Maryland, Southern PA, and VA.