Malacologist

EDGE Engineering and Science is seeking a Senior malacologist to join our established protected species practice. The ideal candidate will have experience in designing and leading aquatic field surveys for mussels, fish, crayfish, and/or other macroinvertebrates. Also they will manage, direct, and oversee the work of environmental scientists and survey staff as required.

At EDGE, our goal is to continue to lead the environmental consulting industry by means of growth and innovation and to ensure our clients value our products, services, and relationships as much as we value our talented staff. In order to achieve that goal, we need ambitious leaders, out-of-the-box thinkers and life-long learners on our team. To attract and retain these bright individuals, we offer meaningful, challenging work, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package. Perhaps most importantly, we foster an internal culture full of energy, opportunity, and camaraderie in which our employees have the freedom and support to thrive.

Responsibilities

• Produce technical survey reports in accordance with current scientific writing standards, regulatory agency requirements and/or function as a technical reviewer for aquatic ecology reports prepared by other staff.
• Manage all aspects related to aquatic ecology for small to medium sized projects, including personnel resourcing, field efforts, document production, and client and agency coordination
• Field work is required approximately 40-60% of the time and is conducted outdoors in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions
• Contribute to aquatic ecology sections of complex, multidisciplinary environmental documentation efforts, including Biological Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, and Management Plans
• Participate in management, maintenance, and calibration of aquatic field equipment (e.g., boats, SCUBA, WQ equipment, etc.)
• Actively engage in marketing activities, including client communication and preparation of technical proposals containing scope, timelines, and cost estimates
• Lead and manage various state, federal, and local regulatory permit application processes, such as Section 404/401, Endangered Species Act Section 7 & 10 Consultation, NPDES, etc.
• Mentor staff to foster growth and development of junior staff
• Lead preparation of scopes of work, fee proposals, and responses to RFPs, including teaming arrangements and attending and presenting at project/contract interviews
• Participate in and assist Practice Leads with strategic planning and Business Development efforts, including leading initiatives

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aquatic ecology or related field, plus 5+ years of experience with essential functions and responsibilities as outlined above
• Experience preparing biological consultation documents for ESA Section 7 and/or 10, including Biological Assessments and Biological Evaluations, and obtaining concurrence from USFWS and state resource agencies.
• Current state and federal (Section 10(a)(1)) scientific collection permits for protected freshwater mussels
• Proficient in freshwater mussel identifications, survey techniques, and standardized protocols with abilities to obtain state-specific scientific collection permits.
• Open water dive certification – minimum (i.e., PADI, SSI, or ADCI)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Microstation, ArcMap, and/or other GIS programs
• Field work will also require snorkeling, SCUBA, surveying in murky waters, and driving watercraft
• Some lifting (up to 50 lbs) may be required as needed

EDGE strives to hire and retain the best and brightest candidates available in the marketplace. To be selected for this position, the candidate must possess exceptional interpersonal skills and outstanding oral and written communication skills allowing positive internal, client, agency and contractor relationships. Excellent technical writing skills for environmental reports are required, as are outstanding problem-solving abilities. The selected candidate will demonstrate passion for the business of environmental consulting, technical excellence and quality, leadership potential, a commitment to lifelong learning and growth, and the desire to build a long and rewarding career with EDGE.

WHY EDGE?

Work That Matters. We help businesses around the world meet the environmental challenges they face. Our work not only helps the companies we serve, it ensures the products of our clients’ businesses continue to drive the economy and positively impacts the future of our planet.

National Reach. Local Management. We have the people and the resources to serve clients across the United States, but our small company feel is what makes us unique. Every individual within our company has the opportunity to give input on projects, allowing employees to grow their knowledge and experience and EDGE to provide the best solutions to our customers.

Engaging Projects. The diverse needs of our clients ensure your work is always of interest and provide opportunities for innovation at every level of the company. Our employees enjoy greater responsibility and develop a breadth of experience not common with other entry- to mid-level career opportunities in our field.

Career Growth Opportunities. At least one member of our corporate leadership is involved in every major project, allowing for a close relationship between management and employees. We encourage collaboration and ingenuity and reward success by promoting from within.

Comprehensive Benefits Plan. We offer a full suite of benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement savings plans with employer contributions, paid time off and more. Enjoy a career that also offers peace of mind when you join the EDGE team.

BENEFITS

EDGE places high value on the health and well-being of its employees and offers the following benefits:

• Comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• Employer matched 401(k) plan
• Annual performance bonus program
• Student loan repayment assistance after 12 months of employment for employees who graduated within 6 years of start date
• Competitive maternity leave

EDGE offers excellent compensation packages commensurate with experience. We provide comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, an employer matched 401(k) plan, and bonus plan.

EDGE will not sponsor an employment visa (e.g., H-1B visa, OPT, etc.) to fill this position