Lead Forest Ecologist

Lead Forest Ecologist

WSP USA is initiating a search for a Lead Forest Ecologist to join our California Earth and Environment Team. Our team is centered in California but supports projects across the U.S. We seek a highly motivated candidate with experience in federal land management, forest planning, NEPA analysis, biological‑ecological surveys, forestry management, and scientific writing. The ideal candidate has a record of writing technical biological reports, evaluating impacts to sensitive resources on federal lands, and planning with the U.S. Forest Service.

• 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 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 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 5 years associated with federal lands
• US Forest Service experience
• Well‑developed expertise with conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation
• Highly capable self‑leadership and interpersonal communication skills
• 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 and data collation
• 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 and state 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. These benefits include coverage related to 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 purposes of 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. WSP USA reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. We design lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.