Scientist I

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Job description

Overview:
RES is accepting applications for an Ecologist I to provide broad environmental support to a team of environmental land operators, restoration, and mitigation professionals in our Sacramento, CA office. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a challenging work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project. The role of the ecologist requires technical skills, as well as, strong organizational and communication skills.

The Mission: You will be conducting all aspects of fieldwork, potential construction monitoring and awareness training, data collection and organization, writing technical reports, preparing permit applications, and assisting with the stewardship of RES's entire portfolio in the Western Region.

RES is the nation's largest and most experienced provider of ecological restoration and water resource solutions. To date, we have restored over 686 stream miles, 77,736 wetland acres, and preserved 20,400 acres of endangered species habitats. Our operations include planting over 28 million restorative trees and reducing hundreds of tons of polluting nutrients. RES navigates and streamlines the environmental permitting process with solutions that balance economic development and ecological sustainability.

What your day-to-day might look like?:
As a member of the team, you will be assisting our Field Ecology team, so expect to spend about 70% of your time in the field, primarily during the spring and summer seasons! You will gather a range of field data for performance and long-term monitoring, including vegetation surveys, special-status species assessments, hydrological data, and biological inventories. Additionally, you'll engage with agency members, easement holders, grazers, and landowners.

Please be advised that we perform these tasks come rain or come shine and working outside in harsh and adverse weather conditions (including both cold and hot environments) is part of the routine. You will also be walking long distances, traversing difficult terrain through thick vegetation, bending, lifting heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.), and performing other physical activities. We have projects all over the West Coast, so overnight or extended stays are sometimes required.

Around 30% of your time, you will be conducting technical office work. You will be performing data entry, processing, analysis, and technical writing. Technical writing tasks include drafting annual reports and memorandum based on your field efforts, assisting the development of restoration plans, and aiding permit applications and other regulatory deliverables. Superior writing, communication, computer skills (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and attention to detail are paramount! You will collaborate with the GIS team on figure creation and work with the regulatory team on various components of regulatory documents related to the establishment and maintenance of conservation and mitigation projects.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities that this position entails.

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

B.S. in ecology, environmental science, or related field (such as but not limited to botany, biology, geology, forestry, soil science, etc.)

1+ years of experience in the field of ecology or related field

Previous field experience including ecological surveys, species specific surveys, or botanical surveys

Experience and familiarity with native and non-native flora in California, Oregon, and Washington

Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies for navigation, data collection, and map interpretation skills

Proficiency in use of Microsoft Word, Smartsheets, and Excel

Must have a valid driver's license, clean DMV record, and compliance with company safety policies are required

What will make you stand out?

USFWS/CDFW-approved surveyor for California red-legged frog, foothill yellow-legged frog, California tiger salamander, California Ridgway's rail, arroyo toad, and/or coastal California gnatcatcher

Working knowledge of relevant environmental statutes and regulations (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Game Code) and associated permits

Working knowledge of commonly employed survey methods for California wildlife and vegetation

Experience conducting wetland delineations and performing CRAM assessments

Experience with plant keys such as but not limited to the Jepson Manual

Basic understanding of operation and maintenance of biological and land management equipment

Salary: $57,828.93 - $78,069.07

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

RES is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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