Consultant, Botanist, Environmental Biologist/Ecologist/Scientist (Mid-Level)

ERM is seeking a motivated Consultant, Botanist, Environmental Biologist/Ecologist/Scientist in Portland, Oregon to join our growing Capital Project Delivery team in the Pacific Northwest.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading field-based botanical surveys and biological assessments, managing data, and writing technical reports to support permitting and project development.

Experience using taxonomic keys for plant identification and following botanical survey protocols is required. Experience with wetland delineation, wildlife habitat mapping, wildlife field surveys and wildlife ecological assessments specific to the Pacific Northwest is preferred.

In this role, you will work closely with ERM Project Managers and Partners on a variety of environmental permitting, due diligence, and impact assessment projects to support our renewable energy, oil and gas, power, and technology sector clients. This is primarily a field-based role, and an exciting opportunity to build expertise in botanical, wetland, protected species, habitat mitigation and environmental permitting in the Pacific Northwest.

As a consultant at ERM, you will gain a wealth of experience across different sectors, clients, geographies and services. ERM's collaborative culture and nationwide network of experts provides knowledge sharing of best practices and ongoing learning opportunities for our consultants, allowing you to build your own individualized career path in project management or technical disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead field programs primarily in the Pacific Northwest.
• Lead and perform rare plant surveys, vegetation monitoring, and plant community mapping with a focus on Oregon and Washington states. Follow federal and state required survey protocols depending on project needs.
• Perform other project delivery activities such as conducting field surveys including wetland delineations, habitat mapping and wildlife studies including birds, amphibians, and small mammals.
• Collect and organize field survey data, performing research/ literature reviews, writing technical reports, and developing strategies and recommendations for clients.
• Communicate with subcontractors, regulatory agents, landowners, Indigenous communities, and clients during field activities, as required.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with other ERM employees worldwide.
• Work on multiple projects within scope/budget/schedule expectations and ensure quality standards on project deliverables and timely delivery of reports.
• Work within quality/budget/schedule expectations and scope-specific assignments and develop a basic understanding of project management responsibilities.
• Work as an integral part of the Capital Project Delivery team and support the goals of the team.
  
  

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in environmental science, biology, natural resources, or related discipline. Or equivalent experience.
• 2 years of relevant environmental experience or professional internships.
• Minimum of 3 field seasons of botanical survey experience including but not limited to: rare plant surveys, vegetation community/habitat mapping, vegetation monitoring, noxious weeds surveys.
• Formal plant identification training, coursework or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of field techniques for plant identification is required.
• Environmental Assessment experience preferred, including expertise with federal, provincial and territorial regulations and guidelines pertaining to survey methodologies and environmental assessments.
• Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography).
• Strong commitment to safety.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and on challenging terrain.
• Ability to work weekends and over 40 hours per week during field mobilizations.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a demanding work environment.
• Detail-oriented with excellent critical thinking and trouble-shooting/problem-solving skills.
• Effective written/verbal communication and organization/analytical skills.
• Experience recording/writing detailed technical data and reports and building tables and spreadsheets (including tabulation and manipulation of data).
• High level proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience identifying plants using a variety of taxonomic keys and other botanical reference resources.
• Experience developing and conducting vegetation and habitat mapping.
• Experience conducting field programs for wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and small mammals.
• Experience in project delivery activities including but not limited to field surveys, literature reviews, report writing, and developing recommendations for clients.
• Experience developing revegetation plans, habitat management plans, vegetation management plans, and noxious weed management plans.
  
  

Who We Are

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. Based on review of these responses, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!