Botanist/Ecologist

WESTWOOD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INC • Plano, TX

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Botanist/Ecologist to join our Renewables team. The Botanist/Ecologist will be part of a team and assist with pre-construction and post-construction field surveys, reports, and developing Vegetation Management Plans. Strong plant identification skills and map-reading skills required. Successful candidates will take ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables, research appropriate plant species for solar energy sites, coordinate activities with clients and site managers, support senior staff, and build general knowledge of environmental consulting and the project lifecycle in their area of expertise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology, Botany, or a related field from a 4-year college.
• 0–5 years of experience.
• Sight identification of plants and familiarity with dichotomous keys.
• Map reading and navigating undeveloped areas on foot.
• Data collection using GIS platforms such as Field Maps, ArcMap, or similar.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Effective time and workload management skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office.
• General knowledge of environmental consulting, formal/informal communication, and teamwork

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree in plant biology, botany, ecology, or a related field.
• Habitat restoration experience.
• Pesticide application experience.
• HAZWOPER or OSHA compliance training.
• Familiarity with active construction sites.
• Wilderness safety training.
• Stormwater or trail management experience.

Responsibilities

• Complete field work and reports for a variety of renewable energy and land development projects.
• Conduct pre- and post-construction surveys, including vegetation surveys, plant identification, weed surveys, stormwater compliance, and construction compliance monitoring.
• Develop site-specific vegetation management plans that meet local ordinances and site restrictions.
• Conduct stormwater inspections and assist with communication to regulatory agencies.
• Oversee the implementation and management of Stormwater Management Strategies (SMS).
• Author reports, emails, and documents for clients and agencies.
• Collect field data, photos, and clear notes on site conditions.
• Assist with plant identification from photographs.
• Perform additional ecological fieldwork, including wildlife habitat assessments and wetland delineations
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables, including report authorship and project-ownership responsibilities.
• Assign and manage tasks performed by Technicians/Interns and provide them with clear direction.
• Support senior staff and provide coverage in their absence
• Begin to build client relationships, coordinating activities with clients and site managers.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of stormwater regulations and laws, industry standards and practices, BMPs, and federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
• Increase general knowledge of environmental consulting and develop an understanding of the project lifecycle in your technical area

Benefits

• Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level