Lead Field Ecologist - PA - Merjent

position summary

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Natural Resources Field Ecologist to lead, manage, train, and mentor multiple crews in conducting ecological surveys in support of utility, transportation, and development projects primarily in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states, with the potential to work throughout the U.S. Primary duties include wetland and stream delineations, threatened and endangered species surveys, functional assessments, habitat assessments, vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys, and associated reporting. The work environment will consist of both urban and remote field settings, which may include work in adverse weather conditions, and, in some instances, irregular and/or steep terrain.

This is a full-time opportunity with an anticipated hourly wage between $27 to $36 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Ideal candidates for this position will reside in Pennsylvania and be familiar with Pennsylvania natural resource and regulatory agencies and their required protocols.

why Merjent?

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States who may choose a remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangement. All full-time employees begin their tenure at Merjent with 4 weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and a generous benefits and compensation package. Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

responsibilities

The following responsibilities are general duties that an employee in this position may be required to perform. The actual duties required of this position will vary.

• Conduct wetland delineations according to the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineations Manual and applicable regional supplements.
• Conduct habitat assessments and species-specific surveys (if qualified).
• Collect, record, manage, and analyze geospatial data using Trimble and ESRI products.
• Prepare technical reports and memos.
• Develop technical documents for project planning and permitting.
• Coordinate with project teams and permitting leads to determine and verify field expectations and data collection requirements.
• Support proposal development for ecological tasks.
• Comply with industry standard and client-specific safety requirements.
• Apply situational awareness to mitigate in-field risks.

required qualifications and experience

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Ecology, Soil Science, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related degree.
• Minimum 4 years of experience managing and/or conducting biological surveys with at least 1 year experience leading wetland delineation teams.
• Field work experience in Pennsylvania.
• Preferred: Wetland certification(s).
• Above-average technical writing and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing workloads.
• Ability to conduct field work for 10+ hours per day, sometimes in adverse conditions carrying equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work weekends, multiple week shifts away from home, and regularly work in excess of 40 hours per week.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record and able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills, and ability to strategize on multiple concurrent projects of varying size and complexity.
• Familiarity using Trimble and ESRI products.
• Competency in general MS Office applications (Word, Excel) skills required.
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable with quickly changing project timelines and expectations.

Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment to merjent.applicantpro.com.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.