Project Ecologist

Verdantas•Blue Ash, OH

2d•$35 - $40

About The Position

Verdantas is seeking an experienced Staff Ecologist to join its Environmental team in Ohio. The position may be based in Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Columbus, Cincinnati, or another Ohio office. It is intended for an environmental professional with 4 to 7 years of experience who can independently perform ecological fieldwork, contribute to natural resource assessments and permitting, and support multidisciplinary project delivery. The role conducts wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, and other ecological field studies with limited supervision. It includes identifying and characterizing environmental resources; collecting, managing, and interpreting field data; preparing technical reports, environmental documentation, permit applications, and project deliverables; and supporting regulatory coordination. Fieldwork occurs throughout Ohio and surrounding states, may involve occasional overnight travel, and can require extended hours during peak field seasons. The successful candidate will work with ecologists, scientists, engineers, and project managers. The role offers opportunities to expand responsibilities in permitting, client and regulatory coordination, project delivery, and mentoring, with potential growth toward increased technical and project leadership responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
4 to 7 years of relevant professional experience in ecological consulting, natural resources, environmental permitting, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineations, ecological field studies, plant identification, and stream or habitat assessments.
Working knowledge of USACE wetland delineation methodologies and federal, state, and local environmental permitting requirements.
Proficiency with GPS, GIS, and mobile field data collection tools, with the ability to organize and interpret field information.
Strong communication, organization, technical writing, and problem-solving skills, with experience preparing client-ready documentation.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and collaborate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to perform fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions.
Willingness to travel and work extended field hours during peak field seasons.

Nice To Haves

Environmental consulting experience supporting infrastructure, land development, energy, or natural resource projects.
Experience coordinating field activities, supporting project schedules and budgets, or mentoring junior staff.
Strong knowledge of Midwest plant identification, wetland ecology, soils, and aquatic resources.
Experience with ArcGIS, Field Maps, Survey123, or similar geospatial and field data collection applications.
Applied experience with ORAM, QHEI, HHEI, USACE wetland delineation procedures, and environmental permit application development.

Responsibilities

Conduct wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, and other ecological field studies with limited supervision.
Identify and characterize wetlands, streams, vegetation communities, and sensitive environmental resources.
Collect, manage, and interpret field data using GPS and GIS-based applications, and maintain accurate project documentation.
Complete USACE wetland data forms, ORAM, QHEI, HHEI, and related ecological assessments.
Prepare technical reports, environmental documentation, permit applications, and supporting project deliverables.
Support and coordinate environmental permitting with USACE, OEPA, ODNR, USFWS, and other regulatory agencies.
Collaborate with ecologists, scientists, engineers, and project managers, providing technical input on multidisciplinary projects.
Plan and perform fieldwork throughout Ohio and surrounding states, including occasional overnight travel.
Help coordinate field schedules and project needs.