Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist | Atlanta, GA

VHB is seeking an Atlanta based Senior Ecologist to join our growing team of environmental professionals. The position will focus on leading wetland/waters delineations, conducting a variety of field natural resources surveys, producing technical reports, regulatory product development, as well as some work scope development, project, and task management. The Senior Ecologist/Biologist will lead field teams, manage projects, and support regulatory permitting efforts for a variety of projects, including energy, infrastructure, land development, and transportation.

VHB is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and inspiring work environment. As part of our Natural Sciences team, you will be working in a region with diverse ecosystems and exciting project opportunities. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with clients in Georgia, and the position offers hybrid work opportunities to provide flexibility and work-life balance.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of professionals in conducting a wide range of natural resource assessments for environmental, energy, transportation, land development, and water resource projects primarily in Georgia
• Oversee and conduct fieldwork, including wetland/waters delineations, vernal pool surveys, botanical and wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys.
• Lead and mentor field staff during natural resource field studies, ensuring accurate data collection and safety protocols are followed.
• Manage and review the preparation of technical reports, regulatory products, and environmental permit applications for state and federal agencies.
• Collaborate with project managers and technical staff to develop work plans, schedules, budgets, and task delegation.
• Engage with regulatory agencies and clients to facilitate project reviews, pre-application meetings, and compliance with environmental laws.
• Lead the preparation of NEPA assessments, Section 401/404 Clean Water Act permits, and other federal, state, and local environmental permitting processes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of ecological trends, environmental policies, and regulatory changes affecting project deliverables.
• Provide quality assurance/quality control for ecological studies and ensure deliverables meet technical, regulatory, and client expectations.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects and teams.
• Prior experience with environmental permitting and assessments for energy, gas pipelines, or transportation projects is a plus.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with clients, team members, and regulatory agencies to meet project goals and deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge of ecological surveys, wetland and stream delineations, rare species assessments, and habitat evaluations.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks including NEPA, Clean Water Act, Section 404/401, and related state and federal environmental permitting processes.
• Experience with GDOT, or similar transportation agencies, including ecological assessments and permitting for infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with energy and gas pipeline projects, including natural resource impact assessments and permitting requirements.
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, Field Maps) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, with a focus on achieving high-quality deliverables.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, or a related field (M.S. preferred).
• 8-11+ years of fieldwork and natural resource assessment experience
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification, Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT), Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), or similar expert certifications preferred.
• Strong experience in ecological field surveys, wetland delineations, rare species surveys, and habitat assessments.
• Experience with ecological impact assessment and mitigation planning.
• OSHA 40 hr. HAZWOPER certification and LEED AP a plus
• Valid driver's license

We are VHB! We're an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We're growing, and we hope you'll join us.

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.