VHB, a nationally recognized leader in design, is seeking an Ecologist to join our growing South Burlington, VT office. Our diverse and challenging professional portfolio includes projects for utilities, renewable energy development, ski resorts, transportation infrastructure, municipalities, and real estate development.
VHB’s passionate professionals include engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with public and private clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments.
Together, we work to improve mobility, enhance communities and economic vitality, and balance development and infrastructure needs with environmental stewardship.
Responsibilities
Project and task management
Technical and scientific reporting
Regulatory product development
Staff mentoring
Work scope development
Client and regulator coordination
Preparation of various federal and Vermont environmental permit applications, including natural resource assessments for projects under federal requirements (NEPA, CWA, etc.) and Vermont Act 250/Section 248 review
Field task management/coordination
Field work, which will include federal/state wetland and waters delineations, wetland function and value assessments, stream assessments, natural community inventory/mapping, floristic surveys, wildlife habitat assessments, ecological monitoring, and GPS data collection tasks
Skills and Abilities
Field application of wetland delineation methods, including: federal wetland delineation parameters and jurisdictional determination guidelines, various wetland function and value assessment methods
Natural community and wildlife habitat assessments, vernal pool identification, stream habitat and flow assessment, floristic inventory, and RTE plant surveys
Familiarity with federal/state environmental impact permit application development and coordination
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and collaboratively in a team-focused group
Excellent verbal, technical writing, and interpersonal skills
Self-motivated and enthusiastic about natural ecology with a demonstrated ability to grow professionally
This position may involve working in remote field locations, temporary assignments in other regions where VHB operates, and may include extended hours and/or weekend/overnight travel shifts and will require the ability to navigate and physically work in challenging mountainous terrain and weather conditions
Strong communication skills between team members, clients, and state/federal officials
Qualifications
BS in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, Wetland Science, or related field
5+ years of experience as a professional consultant or federal/state environmental program regulator, including 3 years as a practicing wetland scientist/field ecologist in New England, with Vermont experience preferred
Demonstrated experience in the independent conduct of wetland delineations, surveys of New England regional vascular flora, and regulatory permit application development
Experience with ArcGIS, ArcPAD, GPS/other mobile data collection, and the suite of Microsoft Office platforms
PWS, CE, CWB, and/or certified/professional wetland delineator certifications preferred, or demonstrated track to certification
Please submit applications online.