Ecologist I

Perkins and Will is hiring an Ecologist I in Boston, MA, to support integrated design processes with architects and urban designers. The role involves conducting site analyses, collaborating on ecological principles in design, and utilizing GIS tools. Ideal candidates should have a strong ecology background, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate findings. Experience in ecological restoration is preferred. Remote work is possible, but some on-site visits may be required.
We are seeking a motivated and passionate individual to join our ecology team and support integrated design processes with our teams of architects, urban designers, and landscape architects. Our goal is to create nature-positive, regenerative, projects where natural species and processes are protected, enhanced, or recovered.

Our ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of ecology and a solid grasp of design and design processes, including urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture. This role requires the ability to acquire public ecological information and conduct comprehensive site analyses from a regenerative design perspective both remotely and on-site. Collaborative skills across disciplines are essential.

The Ecologist will:
• Conduct desktop analyses of sites to gather information on soils, land cover, ecoregions, hydrology, and species of flora and fauna.
• Assess the potential for ecological recovery of various sites.
• Collaborate with designers to integrate ecological principles into urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture projects.
• Utilize GIS tools (i.e., ArcMap Pro or QGIS) to support site analysis and project planning.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to team members and stakeholders through reports and presentations.
• Apply principles of sustainability and regenerative design in all projects and support the development and implementation of ecological recovery plans.
• Utilize ecological intelligence to identify problems and potential solutions using nature-based approaches.
Typical Years of Requisite Experience:
• 0-3 years
Proficiencies
• Strong understanding of ecology and basic understanding of design processes in urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture. A mission-driven focus to identify the potential for ecological recovery.
• Knowledge of ecological restoration principles and practices.
• Understanding of sustainability and regenerative design.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities. Ability to collaborate across disciplines is essential.
• Ability to prepare and coordinate logistics for site visits and gather data and observations. Driver's license, and some travel might be needed.
• Understand field work needs, sometimes solo work, and apply safe practices.
• Ability to see both the problems and the potential in ecological projects.
• Ability to communicate possibilities within project characteristics to pursue multi-benefit regenerative projects.
• Experience with ecological restoration projects preferred.
• Familiarity with local and regional ecological conditions and regulations preferred
• First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or similar training preferred.
Software
• Basic use of GIS (i.e., ArcMap Pro or QGIS, Field maps) for site analysis. Advanced GIS skills preferred.
• Proficiency in using ecological intelligence and nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges.
Licensure/Certifications/Education
• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)