Sr. Malacologist/Aquatic Ecologist
Location: Middleton, WI, United States
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Description
Your role at GEI.
This is a full-time position to support the continued growth of the Aquatic Ecology practice within the Midwest. Our Ecological Team is currently seeking a qualified candidate experienced with scoping, managing, and implementing a variety of freshwater mussel focused projects while keeping safety at the forefront of every job.
This position is to be located out our Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, WI, or Duluth, MN offices. The role will involve a mix of project management, technical expertise, generating opportunities for strategic growth, leading teams, and managing staff. The candidate will mentor junior staff across the Midwest to support field efforts and lead teams for implementation of aquatic projects and studies. Supporting projects, clients, and junior staff will require occasional overnight travel.
Candidates must have working knowledge of freshwater mussel identification and survey protocols for state and federally listed species in the State of Wisconsin and Minnesota, experience scoping and managing freshwater mussel studies, lake management plans, aquatic plant management plans, and habitat management plans. Dive Experience in large river systems, familiarity with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and/or US Fish and Wildlife survey protocols for mussel surveys, and previous experience identifying and cataloguing mussels is required.
Focus will be given to strategically identify new leads for freshwater mussel related work while maintaining strong existing client relationships. It is expected the candidate maintain high visibility in the marketplace through regular client contact, participate and encourage active participation in professional organizations, and make presentations at client and industry events.
This role will participate in regional/office planning and initiatives to implement key growth initiatives, expand aquatics services, and effectively manage and mentor staff needed to continually improve the team.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
- Manage projects including development and implementation of habitat restoration plans, water quality improvement plans, freshwater mussel reintroduction plans, natural resource field investigations including water quality investigations, benthic and fisheries surveys, sediment sampling and other watershed or limnological investigations as it relates to the field of malacology for a wide range of potential clients.
- Develop survey plans for Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota native mussel species.
- Coordinate and lead field teams in aquatic ecosystem and water quality assessments.
- Oversee surveys and dives as required by WDNR and MnDNR to support a variety of transportation, utility, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Identify, measure, and document collected mussel species for Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan native mussels to be used in the project reporting.
- Work with contractors and subcontractors to complete work to project specification and agency standards.
- Provide QAQC for summary memos, technical reports, figures, and recommendations to clients Help develop business by leveraging relationships and knowledge of clients, programs, and regulations.
- Develop project proposals involving aquatic ecosystem assessment and management planning related to freshwater mussel species.
- Assist in recruiting, mentoring, and training staff.
- Deliver technical presentations to clients and other stakeholders.
- Maintain appropriate safety, communication, and progress logs to be used for project tracking.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum Bachelor’s Degree, with preference for Water Resources, Environmental Science, Aquatic Ecology or related malacological areas of emphasis.
- Must have a current Dive Certification for Open Water Dives.
- 4+ years of direct dive experience.
- 10-15 years of direct environmental consulting experience in the U.S. marketplace.
- Working knowledge of freshwater mussel identification and survey protocols
- Understanding of regulatory compliance for State and Federally listed Threatened and Endangered Species.
- Demonstrated ability to commit to a safety culture.
- Strong verbal and technical writing skills, collaboration, and communication skills.
- Strong organization skills with attention to detail.
- Experience with computers and Microsoft Office software.
- Team player, self-starter
- Willingness and ability to travel to project/client sites as required.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license.
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced Dive Certifications, including Advance Open Water, Rescue Diver, DAN Emergency Kit Training
- Certified Threatened and Endangered Species Handling Permit through the WDNR for state listed freshwater mussel species.
- Federal Permit holder for Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species through the US Fish and Wildlife Service for freshwater mussels.
- 6+ years of dive experience for the purposes of conduction freshwater mussel surveys and relocations
- Swift water dive experience
- Positive, flexible, team-oriented attitude, with the willingness and desire to work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to work well independently and with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment.
- Experience with environmental permitting
- NASBLA or equivalent boating license
- Experience driving and trailering small to medium size vessels
- Standard First Aid and CPR License are preferred and will be required prior to starting field work.
We are GEI.
Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.
We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.
With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.
GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes
- Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
- Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
- Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
- Commuter Benefits
- Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
- GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
- Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
- Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
- Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
- Rewards and Recognition
- GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
- Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
- A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- And More…
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Environment Requirements
Occupational Exposure Risk Potential | Reasonably Anticipated | Not Anticipated |
Blood borne pathogens | X | |
Chemical | X | |
Airborne communicable diseases | X | |
Extreme temperatures | X | |
Radiation | X | |
Uneven surfaces or elevations | X | |
Extreme noise levels | X | |
Dust/particular matter | X |
Other (exposure risks): |
Usual workday hours: | X | 8 | 10 | 12 | Other work hours |
GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.
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