Position summary

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Natural Resources Field Ecologist to lead and manage ecological surveys and assist project managers with related permitting requirements. The position will be in support of utility, transportation, and development projects primarily in Michigan and the surrounding states, with the potential to work throughout the U.S. Primary duties include wetland and stream delineations, threatened and endangered species surveys, functional assessments, habitat assessments, vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys, survey reporting, and assisting with related permitting deliverables. The work environment will consist of both urban and remote field settings, which may include work in adverse weather conditions, and, in some instances, irregular and/or steep terrain. During the growing season, this position is expected to average 60% of time in the field and 40% supporting permitting or reporting needs.

This is a full-time opportunity with an anticipated salary of $60,000-$95,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Ideal candidates for this position will reside in or near southern Michigan and be familiar with Michigan natural resources and regulatory agencies and their required protocols. Work schedule is flexible and focused on meeting project and project team needs. Merjent's Michigan team works from home offices; this position is expected to be able to work out of a home office similarly to the rest of the Michigan team.

Why Merjent?

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States. All full-time employees begin their tenure at Merjent with 4 weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and a generous benefits and compensation package. Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wetland delineations according to the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wetland Delineations Manual and applicable regional supplements.
• Experience with USACE Atypical and Problem Wetland Areas methodology is preferred.
• Conduct habitat assessments and species-specific surveys (if qualified).
• Collect, record, manage, and analyze geospatial data using Trimble and ESRI products.
• Prepare technical reports and memos.
• Develop technical documents for project planning and permitting.
• Support project managers with permitting and other project-related tasks.
• Coordinate with project teams and permitting leads to determine and verify field expectations and data collection requirements.
• Support proposal development for ecological tasks.
• Comply with industry standard and client-specific safety requirements.
• Apply situational awareness to mitigate in-field risks.

Required qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Natural Resources or other science-related discipline or 4 years of natural resources-related work experience.
• Wetland delineation training.
• Minimum 3 years of experience conducting wetland delineation surveys.
• Field work experience in Michigan.
• Knowledge of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and USACE jurisdictional wetland regulations.
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing workloads.
• Ability to conduct field work for +10 hours per day, sometimes in adverse conditions carrying equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills, and ability to strategize on multiple concurrent projects of varying size and complexity.
• Familiarity using Trimble and ESRI products.
• Competency in general MS Office applications (Word, Excel) skills required.
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable with quickly changing project timelines and expectations.

Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment (cover letter and resume) to merjent.applicantpro.com.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.