Assistant Staff Restoration Ecologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is actively seeking an Assistant Staff Restoration Ecologist with experience and interest in ecological restoration and invasive plant management to join our team. Projects will be located primarily throughout the Northeast, in particular Massachusetts, and include opportunities throughout the U.S. The ideal candidate will possess experience and interest in wetland ecology, invasive plant management, wetland restoration, and preferable has expertise in native and invasive vegetation identification (for plants in the northeastern U.S.).

This is a regular, full-time position. Candidates must reside in Massachusetts, with preference given to those within driving distance of Amherst, MA.

We are seeking candidates with a strong foundation in invasive plant management and herbicide application, who are comfortable working in field-based environments and are eager to grow their expertise in restoration ecology.

What you will accomplish

• Work in a team setting to plan and complete ecological restoration and invasive plant management projects, with a strong emphasis on herbicide application and control of invasive species.
• Safely mix, handle, and apply herbicides in accordance with state and federal regulations and label requirements.
• Follow safety protocols, field best practices, and coordinate with other applicable SWCA staff.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other tools to navigate and document field conditions, often in challenging environments.
• Implement and complete tasks and responsibilities delegated by Project Managers and field leads.
• Take ownership and accountability for assigned work and field deliverables.
• Use strong organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• depending upon project, an element of your job may be to independently Supervise a small crew while conducting environmental fieldwork. This includes:
  • independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;
  • ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;
  • serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;
  • receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
  • monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.

Experience and qualifications for success

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science/Studies, Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, or a related life science.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant industry experience, with direct experience in invasive plant management and herbicide application required.
• Demonstrated experience safely applying herbicides in field settings.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong interest in ecological restoration, including planning, implementation, and monitoring, with a desire to grow in this field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of plant identification (native and invasive species in the Northeast), plant ecology, and invasive species management.
• Experience conducting fieldwork in restoration or land management settings.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in field environments.
• Ability to perform physically demanding fieldwork, including long hours in variable weather conditions, uneven terrain, and dense vegetation.
• Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Massachusetts pesticide applicator license (or ability to obtain shortly after hire).
• Additional experience in herbicide application and large-scale invasive species control programs.
• Experience with wetland restoration, mitigation, or monitoring.
• Experience with GIS software (ArcGIS/ArcPro) and mobile data collection tools.
• Familiarity with restoration best practices, including erosion control, site stabilization, and planting.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 100% employee-owned company that offers a full range of environmental services. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges, all while staying true to our commitment to employee ownership. At SWCA, we live our core values every day: we collaborate as #OneSWCA, we’re #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices across the country, we’re proud to be one of the largest environmental compliance firms in the U.S. and to rank among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. In alignment with this commitment, we post good faith pay ranges in all job postings. An employee in this Amherst, MA-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $21.63 to $27.81/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package

(https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

We offer a supportive, team-focused work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits—including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future. At SWCA, we’re committed to helping our team members grow into industry leaders. Our award-winning Career Landscape program offers a clear and structured path to meaningful career development. We support your growth through conference attendance, internal and external training, education reimbursement, our Science and Leadership Program, and bonuses for qualifying publications. All regular-status employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, as well as access to our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCA’s 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

SWCA continues to invest in our people. We value the skills and experience of our internal team members and strongly encourage qualified employees to apply for open positions. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible, offering meaningful opportunities for career growth.

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

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