Sr. Scientist - KCI Technologies Inc.

Join us as we Rise to the Challenge

At KCI, we’re building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee-owners. We make our mark designing and delivering our world-class solutions, so we invest deeply in supporting and developing our team. We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employee’s have the freedom to innovate, unlimited growth, a voice that matters, a lifestyle that works, and skin in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ourselves, each other, and the world around us. 

THE COMPANY

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. KCI is recognized as an industry leader, employing cutting-edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning.

KCI is currently ranked #56 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.

KCI BENEFITS INFORMATION

We offer a competitive compensation package, family friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring and resources you need to advance in your career.

We understand that you have choices, and we know that together we will make a great team!

KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

KCI’s Natural Resource Practice is seeking a mid to senior level biologist or environmental scientist to join our talented team of engineers, planners, and scientists in our Sparks, Maryland headquarters. Our Natural Resources staff works in a variety of environmental, natural resource, and water resources subject areas for private clients and state and local governments in the mid-Atlantic region.

KCI’s Natural Resources stream assessment group is recognized local experts in the assessment of stream ecological resources. Our group collects high-quality data on stream ecological condition, water quality, and stream geomorphology. We analyze and interpret these data with the help of GIS and statistical techniques to help our clients understand the complex relationships between stream ecology and the various water quality, physical habitat, and land use stressors.

The selected applicant will work as a team member with potential to grow into a team leader in our stream assessment group. This position will also support a variety of projects and assignments, including those organized in the following major subject areas:

Stream Assessment

• Lead biological stream monitoring using Maryland Biological Stream Survey protocols for benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, and habitat.
• Conduct baseflow and stormflow water quality sampling.
• Lead installation and maintenance of stream monitoring equipment.
• Complete riparian vegetation assessments.

Ecological Restoration

• Assist with ecological restoration projects, including stream and riparian buffer restoration, and wetland creation/restoration.
• Conduct fluvial geomorphic surveys and assessments.
• Assist with pre and post restoration monitoring.

Watershed Planning

• Prepare watershed management plans to satisfy NPDES MS4 permit conditions and TMDL requirements.
• Support watershed scale pollutant load modeling.
• Prepare concise and well written plans.
• Support public outreach project elements.

Natural Resources Permitting

• Perform wetland and forest stand delineations.
• Complete RTE and habitat surveys.
• Support permitting and regulatory coordination efforts as necessary, through field and office work.

General

• Perform field work in a variety of weather conditions. Field work conducted in the summer can be strenuous and physically demanding.
• Adhere to rigorous Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) processes to produce data of the highest quality.
• Assist with the development of QA/QC plans and Standard Operating Procedures covering all aspects of natural resource monitoring and assessment activities.
• Input data, calculate multi-metric indices, write technical reports, develop maps and graphics using ArcGIS Pro and other mapping tools.
• Use analytical skills necessary to solve complex problems both in a team setting and individually.
• Functioning efficiently with minimal guidance will be expected. Independent work, organizational ability, regular communication and time management skills are required for this position.
• Learn new field and office skills quickly.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Wildlife and Fisheries Management, or in a related field or equivalent is required. Master of Science in relevant field a plus, but not required.
• Experience with fieldwork related to streams, wetlands, biological stream monitoring (benthic macroinvertebrates, fish), habitat assessment, and vegetation.
• Experience with and certification in Maryland Biological Stream Survey protocols, including identification of freshwater fishes, a plus.
• Familiarity with NPDES MS4 permit compliance, watershed planning, TMDLs, pollutant load modeling.
• Experience with geomorphic assessment, natural resources mitigation, and restoration in the Mid-Atlantic is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills of technical data.
• A rigorous work ethic and strong research and analysis skills are a requirement of this position.
• ArcGIS, ArcPro, or R statistical software experience is a plus.
• Ability to work in a team environment and with individuals in other geographies and KCI offices. Overnight or out of state travel may be required on occasion.

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Natural Resources, or related field.  
• Minimum of 4- 8 years of experience.
• Pre-employment drug screening is a condition of employment. Background and motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.