Biologist

The Biologist position is a mid-level position supporting a variety of environmental services for private and public sector clients. Biologists must communicate effectively with a team of professionals across the environmental and engineering sectors during project planning and construction phases. Biologists provide direct support to Senior Scientists in the performance and oversight of field projects and operations.

Biologists are expected to have excellent field data collection and data entry skills (i.e., attention to detail), be self-motivated and conscientious with a strong work ethic, and have the ability to meet deliverable deadlines within the expected timeframes. This position includes preparing Environmental Assessment (EA) reports for work in utility corridors and processing small permitting and compliance projects associated with that work. Depending on the project location, field work could include surveys for: gopher tortoises, burrowing owls, nesting birds, wetlands, protected trees, or seagrass and oysters. Other tasks are assigned as needed to support new projects and individual professional development. Based on level of experience, this position may also require working closely with clients and engineering consultants to accurately define the project area and scope of work for each permitting project. Biologists must be able to follow complex instructions and communicate candidly and professionally with others.

The ideal candidate possesses the following knowledge, skills, and qualifications:

• Strong familiarity with Florida's ecosystems and plants (upland, wetland, and scrub habitats).
• Comfortable and experienced in conducting wildlife surveys (gopher tortoises, avian species, and other state/federal protected wildlife), sometimes under adverse field conditions (e.g., heat, inclement weather, biting insects, etc).
• Comfortable and experienced in conducting wetland delineations in accordance with state and federal methodologies and performing wetland mitigation assessments.
• Experience using GPS units and ESRI GIS Products (ArcPro, FieldMaps, Survey123)
• Comfortable and experienced with operating 4X4 off-road vehicles and ATVs.

• Experience with technical writing.
• Experience with environmental resource permitting (local, state, and/or federal level)
• Experience conducting field sampling in support of water quality monitoring projects.

• (Plus) NPDES Stormwater Management Inspector Certification.
• (Plus) FWC Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent Certification.

• (Plus) Boat and/or heavy equipment operation experience.
• Ability to work well in a team setting as well as independently with limited direct oversight.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deliverable deadlines within the expected timeframes.
• Excellent communication and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work remotely on occasion (typically 1-2 weeks max with sufficient notice).
• Must possess clean driving records.

General position duties and responsibilities may include (but are not limited to) the following activities:

• Conduct environmental assessments and wildlife surveys in the field.
• Support gopher tortoise relocation field activities.
• Conduct water quality field sampling in support of water quality monitoring projects.
• Accurately perform data collection, entry, verification, and management in accordance with Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare technical reports and other project-specific deliverables within predefined due dates.
• Manage several EAs, permitting, and compliance projects concurrently each with varying timelines.
• Responsible for the preparation, ordering, and maintenance of field equipment.
• Other tasks are assigned as needed to support new projects and individual professional development.
• May serve on ad-hoc committees at EAI (Ecological Associates, Inc).

• May serve as coordinator of specialized tasks at EAI.
• May participate in mentorship program.

Position requirements include a B.S. degree in the environmental/biological sciences with at least five (5) years of related professional experience.

The Biologist position is a full-time, salaried, exempt, benefit eligible position. The starting pay range for this position is anticipated to be between $50,000 and $55,000 annually dependent upon experience and qualifications. This position reports daily from our Jensen Beach office.

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Open Paid Time Off (PTO), flexible scheduling, paid parental leave, medical insurance (75% employer-paid employee coverage), retirement plan with company match, bonus opportunities, professional development support, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Drug Free Workplace

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.