Senior Restoration Ecologist

Job Title

Senior Restoration Ecologist

Salary

$100,000+

Job Classification

Salaried

Location

Western Region, US (Primary)

Job Type

Regular

# of Hires Needed

1

Job Description

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are looking for a Full-time Senior Ecologist focusing on restoration ecology and biodiversity net positive initiatives. All WEST ecologists are supported by a team of technical and non-technical staff, which sets new team members up for success. Beyond science, we encourage and support participation in conservation actions at the local and national level and have developed a company-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program. We are seeking a qualified Senior Ecologist to provide leadership and help WEST grow our Biodiversity Enhancement and Ecosystem Services (BEES) program.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

The minimum base salary for this position is $100,000, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience.

Location is flexible, although a location in the western region of the United States, is preferred (see https://west-inc.com/about-us/locations/).

The position will require occasional overnight travel.

Job Description
The successful candidate will have a minimum of 15 years of consulting experience (or equivalent combination of relevant advanced education and professional/consulting experience), and expertise in vegetation management and ecological studies with a focus on biodiversity initiatives, restoration/revegetation planning, and monitoring for energy industry clients. Additionally, the successful candidate will have experience managing a team of ecologists, established field-based ecological and botanical skills, strong knowledge of ecological restoration standards and principles, and experience conducting educational workshops on vegetation restoration. The selected candidate will be responsible for growing our BEES program for development, construction, and operational projects on private and public lands in the western US.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Project Management: Identify strategic opportunities, develop proposals and project budgets, oversee project execution, and serve as the primary point of contact for clients and agency staff for projects with an emphasis on ecological restoration planning and monitoring, and/or ecosystem health assessments informing biodiversity net positive initiatives.
• Field Surveys: Plan and conduct/lead ecological restoration-related fieldwork, including baseline and post-construction site assessments, natural vegetation community mapping and characterizations, quantitative and qualitative vegetation studies, and ecological/botanical surveys.
• Project Planning: Work directly with WEST clients and agency personnel in the energy industry to identify and develop practical and ecologically minded site restoration specifications, seed mixes, biodiversity enhancements, monitoring protocols, and vegetation management plans for use during a project’s planning, construction, and operations phases.
• Vegetation Monitoring: Lead plot-based long-term vegetation data collection for analysis and reporting.
• Lead site evaluations and provide results and recommendations for adaptive vegetation management to clients.
• Lead audits/inspections, troubleshooting, and reports of site preparation and seeding success criteria during construction and post-construction.
• Conferences: Attend and participate, especially through speaking and presentations, in industry and subject matter conferences.
• Potentially assist the broader WEST services group with desktop- and field-based habitat (biological and water resources) site assessments, wetland delineations, rare plant surveys, and/or wildlife surveys (based on interest and qualifications).
• Help maintain WEST’s position as thought leaders in the environmental consulting market.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position.

Job Requirements

Qualifications and Preferred Skills/Abilities

The successful candidate joining WEST as a full-time regular Senior Restoration Ecologist will be a self-motivated individual who is able to pay close attention to detail and possess:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in botany, restoration ecology, natural resources, environmental science, biological science, ecology, or equivalent and related field experience equivalent to a certified ecological restoration practitioner (CERP; Society for Ecological Restoration [see https://www.ser.org/page/CERPITApplications]).
• Previous consulting or vegetation management experience (15+ years), practicing applied restoration ecology, including developing restoration plans and adaptive management strategies, and conducting botanical-related surveys such as vegetation sampling and/or monitoring, plant community association/mapping, or rare plant surveys.
• Demonstrated experience building a team of ecological professionals working on fast-paced projects in the western US.
• Experience working in the energy or mining industries with an emphasis on vegetation management planning and ecosystem services is preferred but not required.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail and accurately report scientific methods and results of field studies.
• Data analysis experience is preferred but not required.
• Track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, clients, and project stakeholders.
• Strong time management, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive feedback from colleagues and supervisors.
• Critical thinking, problem solving, and applying science to practice.
• Ability to maintain flexible work hours and adhere to company policies.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and a DMV records check that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver’s license will be required.

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Salary Grade

Exemption Type

Exempt

Application Deadline

1/19/2026