Transportation Ecologist

Transportation Ecologist

The Transportation Ecologist plays a critical role in conducting and coordinating environmental fieldwork and technical reporting. With increased independence and expertise, this position supports the successful execution of environmental projects through advanced data collection, regulatory analysis, technical writing, and technical reviews. The Transportation Ecologist will play a key role in delivering complex Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) environmental projects, supporting ecological review, permitting, and compliance efforts across the state.

This position provides opportunities to collaborate closely with GDOT staff, partner agencies, and multidisciplinary teams on transportation projects that balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. The role emphasizes technical excellence, interagency coordination, and professional growth through exposure to a wide range of ecological and regulatory challenges within the transportation sector. In some cases, this position may include the opportunity to serve as an embedded ecologist within GDOT, supporting program delivery from inside the agency’s environmental team.

• May independently lead environmental studies including wetland and stream delineations, protected species habitat assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, site inspections, environmental impact analysis, etc.
• Conduct data analysis and contribute to the development of technical reports and permit applications. Associated work products may include, but are not limited to environmental survey reports;
  Environmental Assessments;
  Categorical Exclusions;
  Environmental Impact Statements;
  Clean Water Act Section 404/401 permitting; and state buffer variance applications.
• Navigate ecology requirements throughout the GDOT Plan Development Process.
• Apply working knowledge of environmental laws and permitting requirements.
• May collect and analyze GIS and GPS field data and prepare project‑related figures and maps.
• Coordinate and communicate with project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies as needed.
• Serve as a mentor and field lead to Scientist I‑level staff, providing guidance on methods and expectations.
• Participate in QA/QC of deliverables and contribute to team reviews to ensure quality and compliance.
• Manage individual task timelines and budgets under the oversight of senior technical staff.
• Stay current on regulatory updates and industry best practices through training and professional development.
• Under the guidance of senior staff‑maintains a focus on project scopes, schedules and budgets.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as company needs dictate.

• Early‑career experience as an environmental consultant or environmental regulatory specialist.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in a relevant environmental discipline (Environmental Science, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Management, Environmental Planning, etc.). A Master of Science (M.S.) is preferred.
• Functional knowledge of relevant field such as wetland science, flora/fauna, and ecosystems of the southeastern US, environmental impact assessment, etc. with demonstrated experience leading relevant tasks.
• Proficient with GIS and GPS mapping (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and similar software).
• Physically able to travel and conduct field work on various project sites with challenging field conditions such as steep terrain, thick vegetation, and inclement weather.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills with ability to deliver complete and clean documents.
• Ideal candidates would show specific experience with Departments of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Energy, Renewables, Municipal, or Federal projects.
• Experience reading and interpreting construction plans (civil, roadway, pipeline, etc.).
• Willingness to travel as projects require, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to work well within a team environment, bringing a positive attitude, multi‑tasking abilities, and self‑motivated mentality to produce high quality work.

Starting base pay may vary…