What are the responsibilities and job description for the Natural Resource Ecologist / Staff Scientist position at Terracon Consultants, Inc.?
Job Description
General Responsibilities:
Terracon is seeking a proven professional with experience to join the Environmental Planning team in Oklahoma. The applicant will be responsible for conducting field surveys, including wetland delineations and listed species habitat assessments. Experience conducting wetland/stream delineation and/or mitigation services is required, preferably in Oklahoma and the surrounding region.
The individual will lead tasks and/or manage projects for the Natural Resources team to ensure that work is executed on time and in accordance with the client's requirements and within company policies, procedures and standards. They will supervise, lead, or assist with the preparation of proposals and cost estimates to clients to ensure proper scoping of services, plan the availability of manpower and pricing to achieve profitability. The position will also assist with daily operations including staff training, development, utilization of equipment and facilities, safety oversight, quality of services and work products, time delivery of services and deliverables, and adherence to policies and procedures. Ideal candidates will be willing to participate in business development activities to identify, develop, win, and execute project opportunities to build and maintain client relationships.
The ideal candidate will also be able to provide support and assistance for consulting services for a broad array of projects and clients. This may include performing and/or assisting in field investigations, and the writing, preparation, and review of related reports for the services provided. The desired candidate should be familiar with wetland determinations and delineations with experience identifying the boundaries of areas subject to regulation by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Much of the anticipated work will be related to wetland delineation, stream delineation, permitting for proposed development impacts to aquatic resources, wetland and stream mitigation banking, biological and hydrologic data collection/analysis, and threatened/endangered species assessments. The position will include a combination of office work, in addition to field work, where extreme heat and harsh field conditions are often encountered. Ability to work with GIS, AutoCAD, and/or GPS technologies is a plus. The position will apply sound scientific principles and be able to communicate with team members daily on diverse project/client portfolios. Services may be provided for existing or proposed projects in the public works, transportation, commercial, communications, energy, and/or industrial sectors.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities:
- Assist with leading safety efforts and ensuring project teams follow safety rules and guidelines.
- Responsible for modeling a safe work environment; demonstrates safety practices.
- Promote pre-task planning for all projects.
- Responsible for preparation of natural resources proposals and cost estimates.
- Responsible for managing and leading local Natural Resources projects/tasks, maintain quality standards on all projects
- Perform site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
- Performs fieldwork including wetland delineation, listed species evaluations, mitigation assessment, vegetative sampling, hydrologic monitoring, and benthic macroinvertebrate sampling
- Assists with state and federal environmental permitting applications.
- Assists with stream and/or wetland mitigation monitoring activities.
- Conducts data entry and helps to assemble in written reports.
- With support from the Department/Office manager perform business and client development activities for growing the Natural Resources team.
- Assist with the success of the key group metrics of revenue growth, staff chargeability, project billing and collections, and project profitability.
- Develop understanding and be aware of project-related risk. Be familiar with what could go wrong on a project and how to protect the Company. Be familiar with company risk policies.
- Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects. Monitor quality standards and practices.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's and/or master's degree in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Soils Science, or other relevant field of study
- Experience in the environmental consulting industry, with specific experience successfully leading natural resource teams as it relates to wetland/stream delineations, mitigation/restoration planning, and/or protected species assessments
- Ability to work outdoors on potentially difficult terrain and during adverse weather conditions on field assignments ranging from one day to several days or weeks at a time.
- Understanding of Federal, State, and local environmental regulations and permitting requirements (e.g., Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, local & state requirements).
- Attention to detail, ability to work independently and with a team, and strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
- Experience in use of GIS and Microsoft Office software, including electronic document preparation is desirable.
- Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history
About Terracon
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 7,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 180 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
