Lead Forest Ecologist

Job Title

Lead Forest Ecologist

Opportunity Overview

WSP USA is seeking a highly motivated Lead Forest Ecologist to join our California Earth and Environment Team. This role involves federal land management, forest planning, NEPA analysis, ecological surveys, and scientific writing. The ideal candidate possesses expertise in technical report writing, evaluating impacts on sensitive resources on federal lands, and planning with the US Forest Service.

Your Impact

• Serve as a forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects across various states, including ongoing projects in Oregon.
• Identify potential new clients and project opportunities nationally, collaborating with internal WSP members.
• Lead and organize field data collection for forestry and ecology projects, preparing comprehensive reports.
• Advise team members on forest planning and impact analysis related to US Forest Service and other federal agencies.
• Enhance capabilities in vegetation modeling, including Forest Vegetation Simulation (FVS) and other statistical analyses.
• Participate actively in wildfire mitigation planning.
• Collaborate with diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, including engineers, planners, GIS analysts, biologists, and permitting specialists.
• Lead or assist with GIS data generation and management, focusing on ecological data for federal or state clients.

Who You Are (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• 10+ years of experience as a Forester or Forest Ecologist, with at least 5 years focused on federal lands.
• Demonstrated experience with the US Forest Service.
• Well-developed expertise in conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analyses and preparing associated documentation.
• Highly capable self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills for effective interaction with employees at all organizational levels.
• Ability to work independently while providing guidance and leadership to junior team members, ensuring strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills for data analysis and identifying effective solutions.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and adherence to WSP’s health, safety, and related policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project requirements, potentially extending beyond the typical workweek.
• Up to 20% travel may be required for field work and client meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant professional certifications.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations concerning sensitive species in Washington, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Michigan.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a global leader in engineering and professional services. We design lasting solutions in transportation, buildings, energy, water, and environment markets, serving local communities. With over 15,000 employees nationwide, we partner with clients to help communities prosper. We offer a flexible and agile workplace model.

WSP Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package focused on health and financial stability: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement savings.
• Paid time off: sick leave, vacation, parental leave, bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.
• Ability to work remotely from any location in the US.

Compensation

• Expected Salary: $95,400 - $141,680 annually.
• WSP USA provides this range in good faith, acknowledging that actual compensation may vary based on factors like education, experience, skills, internal equity, and location.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WSP USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.