Restoration Specialist

Restoration Specialist

Location: San Diego, CA

Internal Title: Senior Biologist/Scientist I-III

Work Environment: In-office with option for Hybrid

Compensation: Full-Time | $75,000-$110,000 annually

About Us

Merkel & Associates, Inc. (M&A) is a San Diego-based environmental consulting firm specializing in biological resources, water quality, environmental permitting, habitat restoration, and ecological management. Founded in 1994, we provide expertise in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecology throughout California and the West Coast.

With fewer than 50 employees organized into three technical divisions—Terrestrial Biology, Marine and Aquatic Sciences, and Habitat Restoration and Management—M&A offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Having completed over 6,400 projects, we've built an outstanding reputation with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, as well as diverse private and public sector clients.

M&A stands out as a small firm with comprehensive, full-service capabilities rarely found outside of much larger organizations. We hold a California landscape contractor's license, maintain a full-time restoration implementation team with on-staff pesticide applicators and a certified arborist, and employ permitted/qualified biologists for numerous sensitive species including coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, burrowing owl, Quino checkerspot butterfly, rare plants, and more. Our staff also includes wetland delineators, CRAM/Bioassessment scientists, construction compliance monitors, GIS specialists, licensed UAV pilots, NOAA/CDFW Caulerpa Surveyors, and an AAUS dive program. This means we can manage projects from initial assessment through permitting, implementation, and mitigation monitoring—all in-house—while maintaining the collaborative culture and individual attention of a small team.

Marine services offered by M&A include eelgrass surveys and mitigation support, Caulerpa algae surveys and removal, hydroacoustic mapping capabilities, sediment and water quality analysis, a fully maintained diving program, and taxonomic laboratory facilities. These efforts are all supported by a maintained fleet of vessels equipped to meet the most demanding needs for inshore and nearshore coastal projects.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Restoration Specialist to join our Habitat Restoration and Management division. The biologist will lead the planning, design, implementation, and monitoring of habitat restoration and mitigation projects throughout Southern California. This position offers substantial professional growth opportunities, project leadership responsibilities, and the chance to shape restoration outcomes for diverse ecosystems including coastal sage scrub, riparian habitats, wetlands, and oak woodlands.

Key Responsibilities

Restoration Planning & Design:

• Lead development of Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs), Conceptual Restoration Plans, and revegetation designs in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements
• Design restoration strategies for sensitive habitats and special-status species, including planting plans and site preparation specifications
• Conduct site assessments, habitat evaluations, rare plant surveys, vegetation mapping, and jurisdictional delineations to inform restoration design
• Develop implementation schedules and evaluate restoration potential for diverse ecosystems

Implementation & Monitoring:

• Oversee and conduct long-term biological monitoring of restoration/mitigation sites using transect methods, quadrats, relevé, and other sampling methodologies
• Perform statistical analysis of vegetation and habitat data; evaluate success criteria
• Monitor restoration implementation and prepare construction observation and field inspection reports
• Lead site inspections with company clients including private and public agencies to ensure plan and permit compliance

Technical Documentation & Coordination:

• Prepare technical reports including site assessments, annual monitoring reports, and success criteria evaluations
• Develop permit applications and coordinate with regulatory agencies (CDFW, USFWS, USACE, RWQCB, CCC)
• Integrate biological surveys, vegetation mapping, and habitat assessments into restoration designs

Project Management:

• Manage restoration project budgets, schedules, deliverables, and coordination with subconsultants
• Prepare project scopes and cost estimates for proposals; conduct QA/QC review of restoration documents
• Mentor junior staff on restoration techniques and methodologies
• Coordinate with biologists, landscape architects, and engineers on multidisciplinary projects

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Restoration Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Botany, or related field
• 5 years of professional experience in habitat restoration planning and implementation
• Demonstrated expertise in developing restoration and mitigation plans
• Strong knowledge of Southern California plant communities, native species, and ecological processes
• Experience with long-term biological monitoring and statistical data analysis
• Understanding of federal and state environmental regulations (CEQA, NEPA, ESA, CWA, FGC)
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills
• Proficiency with field data collection methods and analysis
• Ability to work independently in remote field locations under variable conditions
• Valid California driver's license and clean driving record
• Capability to conduct fieldwork in challenging conditions (steep terrain, high temperatures)
• Capability to work cross divisionally with marine and terrestrial divisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Restoration Ecology or related field
• Specialized expertise in one or more areas: Wetland restoration and creation, Rare plant species propagation and establishment, Invasive species management, Upland habitat (e.g., Coastal sage scrub, native grassland, oak woodland) or riparian habitat restoration, Mitigation banking or in-lieu fee programs
• Experience with restoration engineering and grading design
• Pest Control Advisor (PCA) license or Qualified Applicator License (QAL)
• Certified Arborist
• Permitted to survey for special status species
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and erosion control techniques
• Experience representing clients in public hearings or agency meetings
• Familiarity with local habitat conservation plans (MSCP, MHCP, Western Riverside County MSHCP)
• Background in adaptive management and long-term land management

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation: Based on experience, education, and specialized skills
• Comprehensive benefits package: Health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off (PTO), and profit sharing program
• Professional development: Opportunities including training, certification support, and clear advancement pathways
• Diverse project portfolio: Cross environmental compliance, permitting, restoration, and impact assessment
• Small firm advantages: Variety, responsibility, direct client interaction, and collaborative team culture
• Work-life balance with flexible scheduling when appropriate

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct extended fieldwork in rugged terrain and variable weather (including temperatures exceeding 100°F)
• Capable of hiking extended distances carrying equipment up to 50 pounds
• Must be comfortable working in diverse field environments (wetlands, steep slopes, dense vegetation)
• Occasional overnight travel to project sites throughout Southern California

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter (optional), resume highlighting relevant restoration experience, and three professional references to associates@merkelinc.com or apply directly through our LinkedIn page.

Application Deadline: We will review applications beginning on November 7, 2025 and schedule interviews with qualified candidates. The position will remain open until filled.

Merkel & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Habitat conservation: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $110,000