Lead Forest Ecologist

Lead Forest Ecologist – WSP USA, California Earth and Environment Team (U.S.)

WSP USA is initiating a search for a Lead Forest Ecologist to join our California Earth and Environment Team. The position requires experience in federal land management, forest planning, NEPA analysis, biological/ecological surveys, forestry management, and scientific writing.

Your Impact

• Serve as forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects across multiple states, including ongoing projects in Oregon.
• Identify potential new clients and project opportunities nationally with internal members.
• 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 the US Forest Service and other federal agencies.
• Grow our ability to undertake vegetation modeling, including Forest Vegetation Simulation (FVS) modeling and other statistical analyses.
• Participate in wildfire mitigation planning.
• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams (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.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• 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 and other analyses and preparing associated documentation.
• Highly capable self‑leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels.
• 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, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish project objectives.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications as applicable to technical expertise.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations related to sensitive species in Washington, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Michigan.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability: medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; paid time off for bereavement, voting, and attendance at naturalization proceedings. Employees can work remotely from any location in the U.S. while supporting projects nationally.

Compensation

Expected Salary: $95,400–$141,680. WSP reserves the right to adjust compensation.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. With over 15,000 employees in more than 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with clients to design lasting solutions in buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets.

WSP USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.