Ecologist

VHB•Atlanta, GA

5d•$80,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

VHB is seeking an experienced Ecologist to support its Atlanta office and growing transportation-focused practice. The role contributes to a natural resources team conducting wetland assessments, protected species surveys, habitat evaluations, aquatic resource surveys, and bat studies. The Ecologist performs and leads field studies, prepares reports, completes quality assurance and quality control, and supports proposals. The position also involves wetlands and stream delineation and mapping, mitigation calculations, permitting, environmental impact assessment, and compliance with federal and state requirements. The Ecologist works with project managers, agency representatives, and public- and private-sector clients to evaluate resources and recommend impact avoidance and minimization strategies. This is a full-time position based in Atlanta, Georgia. The posting describes a flexible, hybrid work environment. The full-time annual base salary range is $80,000 to $95,000. Eligible employees may also receive incentive compensation, spot bonuses, and merit-based increases, along with benefits described in the posting.

Requirements

B.S. degree or higher in biology, ecology, environmental/natural science, landscape architecture, or a related field.
5–8+ years of professional experience with transportation and energy client-driven processes and procedures.
Valid driver’s license.
Experience with wetland/surface water permitting, ecological surveys and studies, habitat assessment, field data collection and documentation, and data analysis and evaluation.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong field notation skills and proficiency with general habitat and/or southeastern plant community identification.
Strong wetland delineation skills.
Ability to work long daytime hours outdoors.
Ability to work well with a wide range of clients, independently, and with a diverse multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Proficiency in MS Office, GPS-enabled mobile data collection technologies, ArcGIS Pro, and GIS applications.
Experience writing due diligence reports and biological assessments.
Aptitude for coordinating surveys and/or consultations for state and federal protected species.
Proficiency with federal and state environmental regulations and impact permitting.
Proficiency with field safety practices, including First Aid and CPR.
Motivation to learn, mentor, and collaborate, with strong technical skills and consistent high-quality work products.

Nice To Haves

Emerging business development and proposal skills, including technical scope writing, qualifications statements, and costing.
Experience preparing ecology reports for the Georgia Department of Transportation or other state transportation departments.
Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT), Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), or similar expert certifications.

Responsibilities

Perform ecological studies, including leading field surveys, producing reports, and completing QA/QC.
Assist with proposals.
Conduct wetlands assessment work, including baseline data research, field delineations, wetland and stream mapping and data collection, mitigation credit calculations, and US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404/10 permitting processes.
Lead field surveys and habitat assessments for protected species.
Participate in multidisciplinary environmental impact assessment, permitting, and compliance related to federal and state agency requirements for a variety of project types.
Recommend impact avoidance and minimization strategies to clients.
Communicate with internal and external project managers, agency representatives, and public- and private-sector clients.

Benefits

Eligible employees may participate in the VHB 401(k) plan.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Disability insurance.
Wellness programs.
Tuition reimbursement.
Recognition programs.
Eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases.
Flexible, hybrid work environment.
Learning and development support.