Senior Ecologist

Join Our Facet Team

Facet is a fast-growing energetic civil and structural engineering and environmental consulting firm with six offices in Washington. We are engineers, scientists, arborists, landscape architects, planners, and more, with decades of experience working throughout the PNW and the nation.

Job Description

The Senior Ecologist will lead and support ecological and environmental initiatives and large-scale projects. This role involves providing technical expertise in natural resource management, regulatory compliance, and endangered species assessments for infrastructure, waterfront, and land development projects. The ideal candidate will be a recognized leader in the field, with a strong background in environmental regulations, permitting, habitat assessments, and species conservation planning. They will also play a key role in business development, client relations, and team leadership.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead ecological assessments and ensure compliance with ESA, NEPA, CWA, and related regulations.
• Manage species surveys, habitat assessments, and impact evaluations.
• Develop mitigation and conservation plans.
• Advise on permitting and integrate ecological needs into project designs.
• Prepare and review technical reports, biological assessments, and EIS documents.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agencies, and stakeholders; represent the firm at industry events and public meetings.
• Identify and pursue business opportunities, lead proposal development including scope, budget, and technical approach for environmental projects.
• Mentor junior staff and guide interdisciplinary teams; oversee environmental teams conducting biological and ecological assessments.
• Promote a culture of innovation, sustainability, and regulatory excellence across the organization.
  
  

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field, or a minimum 10 years of experience in natural resources management, environmental consulting, or regulatory compliance.
• Extensive experience in habitat conservation and environmental permitting.
• Expertise in federal and state environmental laws, including local critical areas and shoreline regulations, SEPA, HPA, ESA, NEPA, CWA, and MBTA.
• Professional certifications (e.g., Certified Wildlife Biologist, Professional Wetland Scientist) preferred.
• Strong technical writing and analytical skills for environmental reports and impact studies.
• Proven track record in business development and client management.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying conditions, if necessary.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• Generous Paid Time Off (vacation and sick)
• 7 fixed holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Fully paid employee medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer paid for dependents’ medical, dental and vision paid at 60%
• Choice of a traditional copay plan or High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings account (HSA)
• Facet fully funds HSAs to the IRS maximum ($4300 for individuals and $8550 for families) for employees selecting the HDHP with HSA
• $300 annual fitness benefit
• $100,000 employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid for long-term and short-term disability
• Voluntary plans include additional group life, accident, hospitalization, and serious illness
• 401k (Roth or Traditional) available after 3 months of employment
• 4.5% 401k match contributed to the Facet Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a plan which grows with the value of the company
• Financial support for professional development and memberships in professional associations