Lead Forest Ecologist

Lead Forest Ecologist – WSP USA

WSP USA is initiating a search for a Lead Forest Ecologist to join our California Earth and Environment Team. The team is California‑based but works on projects nationwide. We seek 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.

Your Impact

• 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.
• Lead and 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.
• Participate in wildfire mitigation planning.
• Work collaboratively with multi‑disciplinary teams which could include 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• 7–10 years of experience working as a forester or forest ecologist, with at least 5 years associated with federal lands.
• U.S. Forest Service experience.
• Well‑developed expertise with conducting NEPA/CEQA or other analysis and preparation of associated documentation.
• Highly capable self‑leadership and interpersonal communication skills to interact effectively with employees at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members with strict QA/QC adherence.
• Well‑developed critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability: medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; paid bereavement, voting, and naturalization leave; and flexible remote work from any U.S. location while supporting national projects.

Compensation

Expected salary: $95,400–$141,680.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with clients to design lasting solutions in buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets.

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model and a comprehensive suite of benefits. We are an equal‑opportunity employer under all applicable laws. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or staffing services. Unsolicited resumes become the property of WSP.