Sr. Consultant​/Senior Habitat Ecologist​/Restoration Planner

GEI Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Senior Habitat Restoration Planner to lead ecological restoration projects in the Great Lakes region, preferably from their offices in Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee, or Madison, WI. The role requires expertise in restoration planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities include managing project budgets and timelines, developing proposals, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance natural habitats.
Sr. Consultant/Senior Habitat Ecologist/Restoration PlannerLocation: Middleton, WI, United States | Date Posted: Jan 9, 2026Join us in our mission to restore and protect our natural habitats for future generations.We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Habitat Restoration Planner to join our dynamic and growing ecological team in Wisconsin, preferably out of our Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee or Madison offices. This role involves leading and coordinating comprehensive restoration projects aimed at preserving and enhancing rivers, lakes, wetlands, coastal habitats, prairies, and other uplands of the Great Lakes region. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in restoration planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement. This position requires a deep understanding of ecological principles, project management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Our projects require being able to balance wildlife goals, land uses, budget constraints, client needs and expectations, and regulations when developing a project or restoration plan.Key Responsibilities Grow our ecology practice by developing new and existing clients and markets while cross-selling GEI’s core business areas including geotechnical, environmental assessment and remediation, water resources, waterfront, environmental engineering, and civil engineering consulting. Develop and implement strategies and action plans that align with both organizational goals and regional conservation priorities.Prepare detailed project proposals, budgets, and timelines.Manage project budgets, timelines, staff and other resources.Oversee and manage habitat restoration projects with varying levels of complexity and size from inception to completion that meet environmental and regulatory standards.Provide technical guidance and support in the design, implementation, and monitoring of habitat restoration projects, including site assessments and ecological evaluations.Work with technical staff and project managers to develop natural heritage inventories and impact assessments.Develop survey plans for use by field crews, adhering to best practices and safety protocols, for site assessments and ecological surveys, as needed, to inform project design.Collaborate with governmental agencies, non‑profits, local communities, and other stakeholders to foster partnerships and secure project support.Prepare reports, publications, and presentations to communicate project findings and contribute to the scientific community.Provide QAQC for summary memos, technical reports, figures, and recommendations to clients. Help develop business by leveraging relationships and knowledge of clients, programs, and regulations.Stay up to date with the latest research and developments in habitat restoration and ecological science.Work with contractors and subcontractors to complete work to project specifications and agency standards.Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.Minimum of 10 years of experience in habitat restoration, environmental planning, or a related field.Proven track record of successfully managing complex environmental projects, including budget and timeline management.Strong knowledge of ecological principles and restoration techniques pertinent to the Great Lakes region.Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a collaborative working environment.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports.Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make data‑driven decisions and develop creative and practical solutions to restoration challenges.Willingness to travel and work in various field conditions as required by project demands.Preferred Qualifications Professional certifications related to environmental planning or habitat restoration (e.g., Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, arborist, etc.).Familiarity with the Great Lakes region’s ecological, cultural, and regulatory landscape.Experience with wetland and stream mitigation banking, such as site selection, design, permitting, construction oversight, and monitoring.Experience with projects that incorporate aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial habitat elements.Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and other relevant software tools for environmental analysis and mapping.10-15 years of direct environmental consulting experience in the Great Lakes region preferrable, with considerable experience in Wisconsin.GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.#J-18808-Ljbffr