Ecologist III

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.

RES is accepting applications for an Ecologist with 5 years of experience for our Chicago, IL or Southern Wisconsin offices. The Ecologist will need knowledge and experience in a wide range of ecological disciplines such as botany, soils, wetlands and water, wildlife biology, and restoration, as well as the regulatory environment of mitigation projects.  This position will support our clients and operations teams with knowledgeable ecological consulting and high-quality project delivery across a variety of ecosystem restoration and mitigation projects.

Why You’ll Love This Job

 You will be planning, performing, and sometimes supervising field assessments, including

• Wetland delineations
• Stream assessments
• Vegetation monitoring
• Feasibility assessments of potential restoration projects
• Endangered species and habitat surveys

What Your Day-to-Day Will Look Like

• Prepare ecological studies and scientific reports, restoration plans, natural resources assessments and management plans and designs for projects.
• Perform ecological field assessments throughout the Midwest, such as vegetation monitoring, wetland delineations, and species and/or habitat surveys.
• Understand state and federal environmental regulations and permitting processes related to mitigation, specifically CWA Sections 404 and 401 and threatened and endangered species laws.
• Participate in company-wide business development activities which may include preparing proposals for new work.
• Develop new opportunities for the local office and others within the company by connecting with new and existing clients.
• Establish and promote excellent working relationships with clients and customers, regulatory agencies, and conservation groups.
• Manage ecological project tasks, company personnel, equipment, and other resources.
• Coordinate, advise, and collaborate with others in the field, including company personnel, site managers, planners, members of the public, and others as needed or directed.
• Participate in creative problem solving for projects and improve processes for data gathering, assessments, analysis, reporting, team coordination, and project management.
• Maintain accurate records of time and expenses in the company’s information management system, prepare accurate and timely invoices, adhere to company SOPs, and perform other administrative requirements as required.

We would like to talk to you if you have many of the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree in ecology or related field, such as wetland science, botany, wildlife biology, and 5-7 years of experience in ecological profession (required)
• Advanced knowledge of local and regional flora, fauna, and ecological systems. Demonstrated ecological identification skills, including plants, animals, ecological communities, wetlands, soils, and others as necessary.
• Experience with GPS units, ArcGIS, and/or other ESRI field data collection software.
• Thorough understanding of restoration ecology theory, principles and practices and ability to apply to projects.
• Experience with state and federal environmental regulations and permitting processes, specifically, CWA Sections 404/401 and state and federal endangered species programs.
• Demonstrated ability to perform professional ecological work, such as independent studies, complex data analyses, and development of restoration plans.

What will make you stand out:

• Master’s Degree in ecology or related field, such as wetland science, botany, wildlife biology, and 3-5 years of professional experience (preferred) 
• Professional certifications such as PWS, CWB, CERP, PG, or regional survey licenses (e.g., EPSC, hydrologic professionals).
• Demonstrated involvement in professional associations — especially in leadership roles or through contributions to publications or presentations.
• Experience mentoring junior staff or training field teams on technical methods.

Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.