Ecological Environmental Professional
Description
Your role at GEI.
We are seeking a lead wetland ecologist in our Chicago, Illinois office to lead project work in the ecological consulting field. This position requires experience with wetland delineation methodologies, Midwest natural communities, identification of Midwest flora, technical report writing, GIS analysis, and assistance with regulatory permit application preparation. Projects will involve field labor, oversight and mentoring of field crews, and technical report writing. This position would require that the person serve as a Lead Wetland Delineator and mentor to junior staff and that the field lead would stay in the role for years to come.
The role includes leadership in the growth of an ecological practice in Illinois, with the support of GEI’s existing ecological teams in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Additional duties will include project planning and management, assistance with business development and preparation of proposals, client, subcontractor and regulatory agency interaction.
This is an excellent opportunity to challenge your project and client management skills, collaborate with other environmental and engineering professionals, learn from our senior staff and gain a wide range of experience.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
- Leading wetland delineations, vegetation monitoring, rare species surveys, wildlife surveys, and willingness to assist with a variety of other ecological project tasks.
- Interpreting permits to understand impact to field data collection needs.
- Collecting field data, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports.
- Utilize GPS units to collect variety of field data such as natural resource features and boundaries.
- Interpreting aerial photography.
- Being a mentor to junior staff.
- May be required to spend 1-4 nights per week or more out of town working at remote locations.
- A typical work day consists of an 8-12 hour day, includes irregular hours (40-55 hours per week), and irregular starting and quitting times, in accordance with the requirements of the assigned job.
- Work on a variety of environmental projects throughout the Region, but primarily in Illinois.
- Prepare and assist with proposals and business development activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Five years of wetland and natural resource related experience in Illinois and the Midwest.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences (Ecology, Environmental Science, Botany, Biology, Fisheries, Forestry) or equivalent experience.
- Experience with wetland delineation methodologies including, plant identification, soil characterization, and identification of hydric soil field indicators.
- Experience identifying Midwest flora.
- Experience with vegetation monitoring and sampling methodologies.
- Strong technical report writing and preparation skills.
- Effective time management and follow-through, with the ability to simultaneously work on and lead multiple tasks/projects and meet project deadlines.
- Positive, flexible, team-oriented approach, with the willingness and desire to work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to work independently and with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced work environment.
- Physical ability to perform field work in summer and winter conditions.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license.
Desired Qualifications
- Certified Wetland Scientist (CWS) or Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) wetland delineator credentials or ability to obtain within a couple years.
- Prior consulting experience.
- Experience with renewable energy project consulting and permitting.
- Experience with corridor / utility projects.
- Experience with environmental investigation.
- Experience working with clients and managing project schedules and finances.
We are GEI.
Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.
We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.
With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.
GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes
- Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
- Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
- Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
- Commuter Benefits
- Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
- GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
- Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
- Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
- Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
- Rewards and Recognition
- GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
- Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
- A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- And More…
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ENVIRONMENT | |||||||||||||||||
Sedentary | x | Light | Medium | Other | |||||||||||||
Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) | |||||||||||||||||
Physical Activity Requirements | Occasional (0-35% of day) | Frequent (33-66% of day) | Continuous (67-100% of day) | Not Applicable | |||||||||||||
Sitting | 4-6 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Standing | 4-6 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Walking | 2-6 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Climbing | 0-1 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds) | 0-30 pounds | ||||||||||||||||
Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds) | 0-10 pounds | ||||||||||||||||
Carrying objects | 4-6 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Push/pull | 0-1 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Twisting | 1-2 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Bending | 2-3 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Reaching forward | 2-3 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Reaching overhead | 1-2 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Squat/kneel/crawl | 2-4 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Wrist position deviation | 0-1 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Pinching/fine motor skills | 1-2 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Keyboard use/repetitive motion | 4-6 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Taste or smell (taste=never) | 0-1 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Talk or hear | 6-8 hours | ||||||||||||||||
Accurate 20/40 | Very Accurate 20/20 | Not Applicable | |||||||||||||||
Near Vision | x | ||||||||||||||||
Far Vision | x | ||||||||||||||||
Yes | No | Not Applicable | |||||||||||||||
Color Discrimination | x | ||||||||||||||||
Sensory Requirements | Minimal | Moderate | Accurate | Not Applicable | |||||||||||||
Depth perception | x | ||||||||||||||||
Hearing | x | ||||||||||||||||
Environment Requirements
Occupational Exposure Risk Potential | Reasonably Anticipated | Not Anticipated |
Blood borne pathogens | x | |
Chemical | x | |
Airborne communicable diseases | x | |
Extreme temperatures | x | |
Radiation | x | |
Uneven surfaces or elevations | x | |
Extreme noise levels | x | |
Dust/particular matter | x |
Other (exposure risks): |
Usual workday hours: | x | 8 | 10 | 12 | Other work hours |
GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.