Lead Forest Ecologist

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WSP USA is initiating a search for a Lead Forest Ecologist to join our California Earth and Environment Team. Our California‑based team serves projects across the U.S. and seeks a highly motivated candidate with federal land management, forest planning, NEPA analysis related to forests and natural resources management, biological/ecological surveys, forestry management, and scientific writing. The ideal candidate has experience writing technical biological reports, evaluating impacts to sensitive resources on federal lands, and planning with the U.S. Forest Service, demonstrating success in forestry and/or ecology and technical writing.

• Serve as forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects in multiple states, including three ongoing projects in Oregon
• Identify potential new clients and project opportunities nationally with internal members of the organization
• Lead or organize forestry and/or ecology field data collection and prepare related reports
• Advise other team members on forest planning and impact analysis related to U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies
• Grow our ability to undertake vegetation modeling, including Forest Vegetation Simulation (FVS) modeling and other statistical analyses to support multiple projects
• Participate in wildfire mitigation planning
• Work collaboratively with multi‑disciplinary teams including engineers, planners, GIS analysts, recreation specialists, biologists, cultural resources specialists, permitting and environmental resource specialists, and construction compliance monitors
• Lead or assist with GIS data generation and management, particularly for ecological data, for federal or state clients

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• 7 to 10 years of experience working as a forester or forest ecologist, with at least five years associated with federal lands
• U.S. Forest Service experience
• Well‑developed expertise with conducting NEPA/CEQA or other analysis and preparing associated documentation
• Strong self‑leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively, persuasively, and tactfully with employees at all levels of the organization
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC
• Well‑developed critical thinking and problem‑solving skills to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project‑specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek
• Up to 20% travel may be required for field work and client meetings

• Professional certifications as applicable to technical expertise
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations related to sensitive species in Washington, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Michigan

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career, including coverage for medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. Ability to work remotely from any location in the U.S., while supporting projects nationally.

Expected Salary: $95,400–$141,680 (based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal equity and geographic location). WSP reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation.

WSP USA is the U.S.…