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Scientist II - Special Status Species Ecologist

Sacramento, California, 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 II to join our team.

As a Scientist II at RES, you will support the implementation, monitoring, and overall success of ecological restoration projects across diverse ecosystems. This mid-level role is heavily field- and data-focused, combining fieldwork, technical reporting, and cross-functional coordination to support project execution, permitting, and compliance documentation. You will collect, manage, and interpret field data, contribute to project reporting, and apply restoration science expertise to advance project goals.

This role also includes an outreach component, requiring coordination with landowners, agency representatives, and grazers. Field responsibilities may include vegetation monitoring, wetland delineations, and special-status species surveys. Fieldwork is expected to make up approximately 60–70% of the role.

Watch the projects our scientists work on here.

Why You’ll Love This Job:

  • You’ll get your boots dirty—literally. You’ll spend meaningful time in the field, collecting the data that drives real-world ecological restoration.
  • You’ll see the impact of your work. Your efforts support the restoration of wetlands, streams, and habitats that improve ecosystems and communities across the region.
  • You’ll learn from the best. With the support of senior scientists and cross-functional project teams, you’ll continue to grow your expertise in restoration science and applied ecology.

What your day-to-day might look like:

You’ll begin your day prepping field gear for a monitoring visit to a stream or wetland mitigation site. Once on-site, you may collect data using GPS, YSI meters, or turbidity sensors, following project-specific protocols and QA/QC standards. You’ll help guide junior team members, ensure field datasheets are accurate, and troubleshoot equipment as needed.

Back at the office, you’ll enter and analyze field data, draft sections of monitoring reports, and interpret site plans or planting palettes. You might meet with design or regulatory teammates to discuss crediting metrics, or help evaluate a site’s feasibility based on regulatory or ecological constraints. You’ll balance independent work with collaborative efforts to move restoration projects forward.

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

  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, geology, or a related natural/physical science field
  • 2+ years of experience in fieldwork, sampling, ecological monitoring, or technical writing (or 1+ year with an advanced degree)
  • Proficient in GPS, and equipment use
  • Experienced in collecting field data independently and following SOPs
  • Skilled in data analysis and technical report writing
  • Comfortable evaluating site conditions and regulatory constraints
  • Familiar with project task tracking and regulatory requirements
  • Working Knowledge and understanding of listed species in the State of CA

What will make you stand out:

  • Drone pilot certification

You Will Thrive in This Role If You:

  • Are comfortable in the field and in the office—and enjoy a balance of both
  • Can collect, organize, and interpret scientific data with care and accuracy
  • Communicate effectively and take ownership of your tasks

California Pay Range

$71,500 - $84,000 USD

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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