Wetland Scientist/Permitting Specialist

Your role at GEI.

GEI Consultants is seeking a wetland and terrestrial permitting specialist to conduct project work in the ecological consulting and restoration management fields. This individual will work collaboratively with clients and GEI’s other leaders and experts in the environmental and engineering fields, primarily on ecological restoration, watershed planning, water infrastructure, mining, transportation, energy, and multi-benefit projects for public and private clients. The successful candidate should have experience leading wetland delineations and permit preparation for ecological regulatory compliance programs for a variety of project types and at various development scales. As part of a multidisciplinary project team, this candidate will have an important role supporting tasks and projects; leading field data collection and preparing associated reports; completing permit applications; providing insights into avoidance, minimization, and mitigation approaches for regulated resources; and understanding of basic restoration concepts and planning.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

We are looking for a candidate with a minimum of 5 years of wetland delineation and permitting experience . This position is open for hybrid/remote work opportunities. This position’s responsibilities include the following:

• Develop permit applications for the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and similar state and local regulations.
• Organize and lead vegetation monitoring, protected species surveys, and wetland delineations.
• Other duties, as assigned.
• Participate in business development activities within the practice such as conference attendance, client meetings, and proposal development.
• Use GPS to map natural resource features and boundaries.
• Biologists may be required to spend up to 1-4 nights per week or more working in remote locations.
• Remain apprised of changes to federal and state environmental regulations that may impact ecological regulations.
• Collect field data, perform data analysis, and prepare reports.
• A typical workday consists of an 8-12 hour day, may include irregular hours (40-55 hours per week), and irregular starting and quitting times, in accordance with the requirements of the assigned project.
• Interpret aerial photography, National Wetland Inventory (NWI), species recovery plans and other online datasets to understand potential impacts and benefits resulting from a variety of projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience leading wetland delineations, vegetation monitoring and sampling methodologies, processing spatial data, preparing technical reports, and permit applications.
• Understanding of federal environmental laws, specifically Section 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and similar state and local regulations.
• Knowledge of natural resource issues, policies, and trends in Colorado and around the U.S. .
• Valid driver’s license.
• Effective time management and follow-through, with the ability to simultaneously work on and lead multiple tasks/projects and meet project deadlines.
• Experience identifying Rocky Mountain flora (native and invasive species plant identification).
• Positive, flexible, team-oriented approach, with the willingness and desire to work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• BS in environmental science, biology, natural resources, or similar.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well independently and with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced work environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with clearance, presence/absence, and monitoring surveys to support federal and state-listed species (e.g., Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, boreal toad, Colorado Butterfly plant, Ute ladies-tresses orchid, and migratory birds).
• Familiarity with Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act mitigation policies and procedures.
• Watershed planning.
• Experience working with clients and managing project schedules and finances.
• At least seven (7) years of work experience in the Rocky Mountains.
• Fire mitigation approaches.

We are GEI.

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.

With more than 40 offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry.

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.

As a 100% employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.

GEI’s Total Rewards Package

• Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
• A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• And More…
• Rewards and Recognition
• Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
• Pay Range For This Position: $65,000.00-80,000.00 year
• Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
• Hybrid Work Schedules and Home Office and Cell Phone Stipends
• Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
• Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
• GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
• Commuter Benefits
• GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

Physical Job Requirements

Sedentary

X

Light

Medium

Other

Activity Level Throughout Workday

Physical Activity Requirements

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

Continuous

(67-100% of day)

Not Applicable

Sitting

4-6 hrs

Standing

4-6 hrs

Walking

2-6 hrs

Climbing

0-1 hrs

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

0-30 lbs

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

0-10 lbs

Carrying objects

4-6 hrs

Push/pull

0-1 hrs

Twisting

1-2 hrs

Bending

2-3 hrs

Reaching forward

2-3 hrs

Reaching overhead

1-2 hrs

Squat/kneel/crawl

2-4 hrs

Wrist position deviation

0-1 hrs

Pinching/fine motor skills

1-2 hrs

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

4-6 hrs

Taste or smell (taste=never)

0-1 hrs

Talk or hear

6-8 hrs

Accurate 20/40

Very Accurate 20/20

Not Applicable

Near Vision

X

Far Vision

X

Yes

No

Not Applicable

Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)

X

Sensory Requirements

Minimal

Moderate

Accurate

Not Applicable

Depth perception

X

Hearing

X

Environmental Requirements

Occupational Exposure Risk Potential

Reasonably Anticipated

Not Anticipated

Blood borne pathogens

X

Chemical

X

Airborne communicable diseases

X

Extreme temperatures

X

Radiation

X

Uneven surfaces or elevations

X

Extreme noise levels

X

Dust/particular matter

X

Other (exposure Risks)

Usual workday hours:

X

8

10

12

Other work hours

GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.