Environmental Scientist II

Eocene Environmental Group is seeking an Environmental Scientist II in North Liberty, IA. This full-time position involves implementing ecological restoration and management strategies in various natural ecosystems. Key responsibilities include evaluating natural areas, performing restoration services, and operating tools safely. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in environmental science, 3-5 years of relevant experience, and be capable of fieldwork. The role requires travel and occasional overnight assignments.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Reports To: Project Manager II

Job Type: Full-Time, Regular

About Eocene Environmental Group:

Our team has spent the past two decades providing environmental, utility vegetation management (UVM), software and sustainability services. We are fortunate to be a part of the Wright Service Corp. family, which has helped us establish a strong foundation for continued growth and success.

Through a strategic alignment of values and goals, four Wright Service Corp. entities joined and integrated into one, operating as Eocene Environmental Group. These four entities are:

Forestry & Utility Division

Environmental Division

Technology & Innovation Division

Sustainability Division

JOB SUMMARY: The Environmental Scientist II/Ecologist works with Restoration staff implementing ecological restoration, establishment, site preparation, and adaptive management strategies in existing and reconstructed natural areas. They restore, establish, and maintain a wide range of prairie, forest, wetland, and pollinator habitat ecosystems from small residential features to large-scale and multi-year projects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:

Evaluate existing and potential natural areas including prairie, wetland, and woodland ecosystems for restoration or reconstruction opportunities and create and execute implementation plans

Perform Ecological Restoration services as directed by the Project Manager

Understand and safely operate a variety of manual and power tools and equipment in the provision of our services

Execute work completely and to a high level of quality while working safely and cooperatively with a crew

Botanical surveys for qualified applicants (botanical experience not required, but is a plus)

Work will primarily be field based; successful applicants should be capable of working long days in the field throughout the year, including single- and multi-day assignments

Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings

Support, actively participate, and act in accordance with Wrights and Eocene Environmental s culture of safety and employee ownership

Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintains knowledge of and follows all company policies and procedures

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position will require outside travel

Occasional overnight travel as needed

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelors degree in environmental science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

3 to 5 years experience in natural areas management, restoration, and/or reconstruction

3 to 5 years' experience in timber/woodland/forest management

Possession of Iowa Pesticide Applicator Certification or ability to obtain within 2 months of hire

Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job as listed below

Proficiency with the Microsoft Office products, including Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, Word, and Excel

Comfort with working outdoors in a variety of weather and site conditions

A valid drivers license is required

Ability to read, write and speak English sufficient to perform job duties and to interact and communicate with employees and vendors

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential

Familiarity and experience operating equipment associated with ecological restoration practices including but not limited to hand tools, chain saws, herbicide application equipment, mowers, tractors, and driving/backing with a trailer

Coursework in botany, biology, natural resources

Experience using prescribed fire as a management practice, and completion of S130/S190 Wildland Firefighter courses

CPR/AED/First Aid training

Previous experience working in outdoor environment

Plant identification experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs frequently and 50 lbs occasionally

Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions

Regular standing, walking, hand/finger use, and visual focus for equipment or computer use

Frequent sitting, climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crawling

Frequent talking and hearing

Work may involve wet/humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, chemical herbicides, and loud equipment (e.g., brush cutter, mower, tractor)

Occasional work in precarious locations

Eocene Environmental Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.