Lead Forest Ecologist

Overview

WSP USA is initiating a search for a Lead Forest Ecologist to join our California Earth and Environment Team. The role focuses on federal land management, forest planning, NEPA analysis, biological and ecological surveying, forestry management, and scientific writing. The ideal candidate has strong experience with technical biological reports, impact assessments on sensitive resources, and collaboration 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/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 multidisciplinary 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 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 with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact 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 data and identify most effective solutions.
• 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, 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, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; paid time off for bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. Ability to work remotely from any location in the US while supporting projects nationally.

Expected Salary: $95,400 – $141,680. WSP USA reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range based on qualifications and circumstances.

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm. With more than 15,000 employees across the U.S., WSP partners with clients in buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes become the property of WSP, and WSP reserves the right to hire the candidate without reservation.