Protected Species Ecologist / Wildlife Biologist

Terracon Consultants, Inc. is hiring a Protected Species Ecologist/Wildlife Biologist in Savannah, GA. The role involves evaluating development sites for impacts on Threatened and Endangered species, leading wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and regulatory coordination. Candidates should have knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and experience with environmental permitting. The position includes both office and field work, requiring safety compliance and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Job Description

General Responsibilities:

Terracon is seeking an experienced and motivated professional to join our Environmental Planning team in Savannah, Georgia, with a specialized focus on evaluating proposed development sites for potential effects on Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species according to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The successful candidate will lead and support projects involving wildlife and plant surveys, habitat assessments, and regulatory coordination with federal and state agencies. This role requires a strong understanding of the Endangered Species Act, including the Section 7 consultation processes, biological assessments, and interagency coordination. When not supporting T&E-related services, the candidate will have opportunities to assist and receive training in wetland delineation, wetland permitting, and wetland/stream mitigation banking according to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

The individual will lead tasks and/or manage projects for the Natural Resources team to ensure that work is executed on time and in accordance with the client’s requirements and within company policies, procedures and standards. They may supervise, lead, or assist with the preparation of proposals and cost estimates to clients to ensure proper scoping of services, plan the availability of manpower and pricing to achieve profitability.

The position will include a combination of office work, in addition to field work, where extreme heat and harsh field conditions are often encountered. Ability to work with GIS, AutoCAD, and/or GPS technologies is a plus. The position will apply sound scientific principles and be able to communicate with team members daily on diverse project/client portfolios. Services may be provided for existing or proposed projects in the public works, transportation, commercial, communications, energy, and/or industrial sectors.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:
• Assist with leading safety efforts and ensuring project teams follow safety rules and guidelines.
• Responsible for modeling a safe work environment; demonstrates safety practices.
• Prepare and review T&E Habitat Assessments, Biological Assessments (BAs), and other documentation to support Section 7 consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and other agencies.
• Conduct and oversee wildlife and plant surveys, including habitat evaluations for federally and/or state listed species.
• Perform site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
• Support and lead natural resource permitting efforts, including coordination under the Clean Water Act, ESA, and state/local regulations.
• Assists with state and federal environmental permitting applications.
• Assists with stream and/or wetland mitigation monitoring activities.
• Conducts data entry and helps to assemble in written reports.
• Develop proposals, cost estimates, and scopes of work for ecological services.
• May be opportunities to participate in business development and client relationship management.
• When applicable, provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior staff.
• Ensure quality control and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on complex environmental projects.

Requirements:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience leading natural resource teams, conducting protected species assessments, and collaborating on technical reports.
• Strong technical writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in field and office environments.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions for extended periods.
• Solid understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and other relevant permitting requirements.
• Experience with gopher tortoise surveys, trapping, and relocations is a plus but not required.
• Experience with bat acoustic monitoring is a plus but not required.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in GIS, Microsoft Office, and electronic document preparation is desirable.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

About Terracon

Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 7,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 180 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.

Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.

EEO Statement

Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.