Botanist/Ecologist
About The Position
Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Botanist/Ecologist to join its Renewables team. The role supports pre- and post-construction field surveys, reporting, and development of Vegetation Management Plans for renewable energy and land development projects. It requires strong plant identification and map-reading skills, ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables, research into suitable plant species for solar energy sites, coordination with clients and site managers, and support for senior staff. The position also provides opportunities to build knowledge of environmental consulting and the project lifecycle in the employee’s technical area. The work is field- and office-based. Independent outdoor fieldwork for up to 10 hours per day in varied weather is a regular and expected part of the role; the amount varies by season, discipline, and project assignment. Frequent travel by car and plane to project sites nationwide is expected, typically for one to ten days at a time, particularly during field season. Field work may involve walking over uneven terrain, carrying equipment, and wearing PPE appropriate to field conditions.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology, Botany, or a related field from a four-year college.
- 0–5 years of experience.
- Sight identification of plants and familiarity with dichotomous keys.
- Ability to read maps and navigate undeveloped areas on foot.
- Ability to collect data using GIS platforms such as Field Maps, ArcMap, or similar.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Effective time and workload management skills.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- General knowledge of environmental consulting, formal and 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 fieldwork and reports for 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 communications to regulatory agencies.
- Oversee implementation and management of Stormwater Management Strategies (SMS).
- Author reports, emails, and other documents for clients and agencies.
- Collect field data and photographs, and maintain 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 and Interns, providing clear direction.
- Support senior staff and provide coverage in their absence.
- Build client relationships and coordinate activities with clients and site managers.
- Maintain current knowledge of stormwater regulations and laws, industry standards and practices, best management practices, and federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
- Build general knowledge of environmental consulting and understanding of the project lifecycle in the technical area.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
