Senior Ecologist - Permitting Specialist/Project Manager

Matrix Design Group, Inc•Colorado Springs, CO

6h•$85,000 - $115,000

About The Position

Matrix Design Group, Inc., an employee-owned planning, engineering, and environmental consulting firm is actively seeking a Senior Ecologist – Permitting Specialist/Project Manager in our Colorado Springs office. As an employee-owned company we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, respect, and excellence. The Senior Ecologist – Permitting Specialist is a key technical expert responsible for navigating complex environmental regulations and managing permitting processes for ecological projects. This role requires in-depth knowledge of and experience with the Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with a focus on federal nexus permitting, knowledge and experience with state permitting processes, stream and wetland design, and restoration initiatives. Experience in urban stream and wetland ecology, watershed management, or urban wildlife management is highly desirable. The Senior Ecologist – Permitting Specialist will play a vital role in expanding the Ecological Services Center of Excellence at Matrix, driving innovation in ecological restoration, conservation, and environmental compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from accredited program in ecology, water resources, natural resource management, environmental policy, or another related field; master’s degree a plus.
Minimum 5 years of directly related experience.
Experience with providing data deliverables contract/client-specified format.
Field analysis and sampling experience desired.
Valid driver's license, in conjunction with successfully passing the Company’s MVR.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Proficiency with database creation and management.
Proficiency with GPS units and ArcGIS.
Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
Initiative and ability to solve problems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong background in environmental data management and analysis.
Networking and business development.
Ability to travel to the field and assist in field efforts.

Nice To Haves

Experience in urban stream and wetland ecology, watershed management, or urban wildlife management is highly desirable.
Master’s degree a plus.
Field analysis and sampling experience desired.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage permitting processes for projects involving wetland and stream restoration, habitat conservation, and ecological resource management.
Provide technical expertise and regulatory guidance related to environmental permitting and compliance.
Conduct wetland delineations, ecological site assessments, and functional assessments of wetlands and streams.
Develop and oversee mitigation design, adaptive management strategies, and habitat restoration plans.
Coordinate with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and project teams to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including ecologists, engineers, planners, and landscape architects, to integrate ecological considerations into project designs.
Support public engagement, stakeholder outreach, and agency coordination for permitting and conservation initiatives.
Contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities, preparing proposals, and fostering client relationships.
Utilize GIS modeling, plant and soil data collection, and ecological analysis to inform project planning and decision-making.
Prepare technical reports, permit applications, and regulatory documentation to support project approvals.
Provide project management including maintaining scope, schedule, and budget for projects.
Provide client relationship management.
Working knowledge of key federal and state wetland and waters rules and regulations, including but not limited to: Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and any state wetland and waters rules.
Perform Wetland surveys and functional assessments including but not limited to Colorado Stream Quantification Tool, FACWet, and FACStream.
Wildlife habitat assessments and monitoring.
Provide plant identification and vegetation assessments.
Provide environmental compliance negotiation and oversight.
Prepare permit applications including but not limited to Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), Categorical Exclusions (CatEx), Individual Permits (IP), Regional General Permits (RGP), and Nationwide Permits (NWP).
Provide technical support for open space planning and design, stream restoration, and development projects.
Provide soil sampling and analysis.
Lead report development and provide quality assurance/quality control.
Review Request for Proposals and lead proposal development.