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Scientist III - Ecologist

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.

RES is looking for a Scientist III to join our growing team of dedicated environmental professionals. In this role, you’ll bring your scientific expertise, leadership in the field, and ability to mentor others to support complex ecological restoration projects.

As a Scientist III, you’ll be hands-on in the field, conducting and overseeing data collection, ensuring quality control, and guiding interdisciplinary teams. You’ll also be deeply involved in technical reporting, data analysis, and client coordination — helping to shape the success of projects from the ground up. This role will find you in the field 70-80% during peak season with occasional overnight travel in our five sate region. See what projects our scientists work on here.

Why You’ll Love This Job

  • You’ll spend your time outdoors and in the field, working hands-on to restore streams, wetlands, and natural habitats.
  • You’ll lead, train, and mentor field teams, helping shape the next generation of restoration professionals.
  • You’ll be challenged with diverse projects that require both scientific rigor and creative problem-solving.
  • You’ll have opportunities to contribute to technical publications, present at conferences, and engage with professional associations.

What Your Day-to-Day Will Look Like

In this role, you will lead and train field teams in sampling protocols, safety procedures, and data collection, ensuring high-quality outcomes and adherence to safety standards. You’ll also operate and maintain scientific equipment, making sure that field data is collected accurately and reliably.

Your work will include reviewing and interpreting technical documentation such as standard operating procedures, monitoring plans, maps, and laboratory results. You’ll collect, manage, and analyze large datasets, applying rigorous quality control to ensure accuracy and reliability in the results.

You will be responsible for writing advanced technical reports with minimal revisions required, while also mentoring junior staff in data analysis and report preparation. Beyond reporting, you’ll evaluate sites to identify regulatory and technical requirements, perform risk analyses, and provide insights that inform project strategies.

Collaboration will be key, as you contribute to project design discussions, sequencing, and the scheduling of field activities. You’ll communicate directly with clients, summarizing project needs and providing timely status updates. Finally, you’ll have opportunities to engage with local and regional professional associations, with the potential to lead, present, and publish your work as a recognized expert in your field.

We would like to talk to you if you have many of the following:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences (required); an advanced degree is preferred.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience, or 3+ years with an advanced degree.
  • Advanced knowledge in at least one scientific discipline (e.g., wetlands, hydrology, soils, stream morphology, ecology, fisheries, flora/fauna).
  • Intermediate knowledge across several related disciplines.
  • Experience with GIS and scientific analysis software.
  • Proficiency in functional assessment methodologies and calculations.
  • Hands-on field experience with equipment such as YSI multimeters, turbidimeters, and GPS.

What will make you stand out:

  • Professional certifications such as PWS, CWB, CERP, PG, or regional survey licenses (e.g., EPSC, hydrologic professionals).
  • FAA Drone Pilot certification.
  • Demonstrated involvement in professional associations — especially in leadership roles or through contributions to publications or presentations.
  • Experience mentoring junior staff or training field teams on technical methods.

You Will Thrive in This Role If You:

  • Are a natural leader who can guide and inspire interdisciplinary field teams.
  • Communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Enjoy problem-solving in dynamic environments and can independently evaluate site conditions and risks.
  • Balance scientific rigor with practical project needs, contributing to designs and field sequencing.
  • Take pride in delivering high-quality, client-ready reports with minimal revisions.
  • Are motivated by the mission of ecological restoration and the opportunity to make a tangible environmental impact.

Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

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