Environmental Scientist - Ecology at Naturion Columbia, IL

Naturion is seeking an Environmental Scientist - Ecology in Columbia, IL, with a salary range of $80,000 to $90,000. The role involves managing conservation projects, conducting field data collection, ecological monitoring, and preparing regulatory documents. Candidates should have a BA/BS in a relevant field and at least five years of professional experience. The position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to perform physically demanding fieldwork.
Environmental Scientist - Ecology job at Naturion. Columbia, IL. Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $80,000 to $90,000

Environmental Scientist - Ecology Job Description

About Us

Naturion is focused on the union of environmental sustainability and responsible human progress. Our mission is to empower people, restore natural resources, and enhance the world we live in. We value relationships and prioritize people in all that we do. With locations across the US, we're a growing company making waves in the industry.

About the Job

Naturion has an immediate opening for an Environmental Scientist - Ecology to join our team in our Midwest region. We have some exciting projects underway with more on the horizon and this position is essential in supporting the companys growth and operational stability. The Environmental Scientist - Ecology is essential to ensuring ecological uplift in our Midwest service area and mitigation credit releases.

What You Will Do & Expected Outcomes

The Environmental Scientist - Ecology plays a pivotal role in managing our conservation projects in the Midwest (IA, IL, IN, MN, MO) service area. The primary responsibilities will be data collection, ecological monitoring, and reporting/documentation for proposed and existing mitigation bank projects. The Environmental Scientist - Ecology will also lead agency meetings, mange sub-contractors, and support project management team members. The successful Environmental Scientist - Ecology will contribute in the following significant ways:
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, independent problem solving, and ability to perform physically demanding field work. Occasional long field days and overnight stays are required.
• Perform field data collection (i.e., native and invasive vegetation surveys, soils analysis, groundwater wells, channel surveys, water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates) using the latest regulatory guidance and functional assessment methodologies.
• Perform stream and wetland delineations and quality assessments (QHEI/HHEI, ORAM/VIBI).
• Ability to perform invasive species treatments and other minor maintenance activities is a plus.
• Assist in the preparation of regulatory documents, including 404/401 permits, mitigation banking documents (e.g., Prospectus & Mitigation banking instruments), monitoring reports, and endangered species reports.
• Provide construction oversight assistance and facilitate cording maintenance contractors in line with project timelines and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize ArcGIS mapping to support permit applications and document production.
• Provide communication and reporting on task status, schedule, and workload to project management team.
• Be a Naturion brand ambassador in every interaction.

Ideal Candidates
• BA/BS degree; preferable in Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife or Fisheries Management, Agricultural Science, or comparable education/experience.
• Minimum five years professional experience.
• A professional background in the environmental consulting field (wetland delineation, 404 permitting, mitigation bank prospectus and mitigation banking instrument development, and aquatic resourcing functional assessment methods is a bonus).
• Experience in Project Management with proven ability to prioritize multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Expertise in comprehensive native and invasive species vegetation surveys.
• Experience in stream and wetland delineation.
• The ideal candidate resides around St. Louis, MO or Columbia, IL. Candidates living in Central Missouri or Central Illinois are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated ability to build lasting relationships.
• Possesses and leverages strong technical writing skills.
• Knowledge or experience with ESRI ArcGIS is preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Can travel with occasional overnight stays.
• Ability to operate company vehicles, including trailer towing.
• Ability to hike rough terrain with 25 lbs. of equipment in inclement weather.
• Environmental stewardship and building meaningful relationships are a must.

Perks to Look Forward To:
• Collaborate with a diverse team of passionate, intelligent, and fun colleagues who share our values.
• Enjoy paid time-off, sick leave, and other benefits for a healthy work-life balance.
• Stay healthy with comprehensive Health and Dental benefits.
• Access voluntary short-term disability and voluntary life insurance programs.
• Benefit from employer-paid Vision and Life insurance.
• Plan for the future with our SIMPLE IRA retirement plan and 3% company match.
• Elevate your performance with raises and bonuses tied to your achievements.
• Compensation commensurate with experience.

Ready to bring your expertise to the forefront of ecological restoration? Join us at Naturion and be a part of something extraordinary. Apply today and help us shape a greener future!

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