Assistant Staff Restoration Ecologist at SWCA… · Amherst

Summary: SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Staff Restoration Ecologist to join their team, focusing on ecological restoration and invasive plant management. The role involves planning and executing restoration projects, applying herbicides, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols while working in field environments. Responsibilities: - Work in a team setting to plan and complete ecological restoration and invasive plant management projects, with a strong emphasis on herbicide application and control of invasive species - Safely mix, handle, and apply herbicides in accordance with state and federal regulations and label requirements - Follow safety protocols, field best practices, and coordinate with other applicable SWCA staff - Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other tools to navigate and document field conditions, often in challenging environments - Implement and complete tasks and responsibilities delegated by Project Managers and field leads - Take ownership and accountability for assigned work and field deliverables - Use strong organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal - Depending upon project, an element of your job may be to independently Supervise a small crew while conducting environmental fieldwork. This includes: + independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery; + ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely; + serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers; + receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and + monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science/Studies, Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, or a related life science - Minimum of one (1) year of relevant industry experience, with direct experience in invasive plant management and herbicide application required - Demonstrated experience safely applying herbicides in field settings - Valid driver's license - Strong interest in ecological restoration, including planning, implementation, and monitoring, with a desire to grow in this field - Demonstrated knowledge of plant identification (native and invasive species in the Northeast), plant ecology, and invasive species management - Experience conducting fieldwork in restoration or land management settings - Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in field environments - Ability to perform physically demanding fieldwork, including long hours in variable weather conditions, uneven terrain, and dense vegetation - Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds - Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook Preferred Qualifications: - Massachusetts pesticide applicator license (or ability to obtain shortly after hire) - Additional experience in herbicide application and large-scale invasive species control programs - Experience with wetland restoration, mitigation, or monitoring - Experience with GIS software (ArcGIS/ArcPro) and mobile data collection tools - Familiarity with restoration best practices, including erosion control, site stabilization, and planting Required Skills: Invasive Plant Management, Herbicide Application, Plant Identification - Native, Invasive Species (Northeast U.S.), Ecological Restoration, Wetland Ecology, Fieldwork in Restoration, Land Management, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License, GIS Software (ArcGIS/ArcPro), Mobile Data Collection Tools Benefits: Competitive Benefits package, Forward-thinking workplace flexibility, Outstanding corporate culture, Award-winning career development, 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), Comprehensive benefits package, Medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, Access to our Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust