Ecological Project Manager

Overview

The Project Manager is responsible for managing the ecological services on multiple projects for private and public land development clients.

Ecological services for projects include wetland and tree survey, threatened and endangered species reviews and surveys, stream or MiSQT surveys, construction services, regulatory compliance, and maintaining agency and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Conducts wetland, tree, and threatened and endangered surveys.
• Provides QA / QC review of staff's wetland boundaries.
• Assigns, prepares, and reviews regulatory permitting including project plan reviews.
• Attends internal and external meetings to move the project through the permitting process.
• Prepares proposals by consulting with clients and / or internal Project Managers to determine ecological services, estimated costs, and fieldwork timelines.
• Assists with achievement of QA / QC goals.
• Provides management of the day-to-day operational activities for the preparation and completion of the ecological services.
• Coordinates with other departments and technical staff for project development and project delivery.
• Provides technical skills for MiSQT surveying and reporting.
• Provides on-going communication with the client related to the project.
• Mentors PEA Group ecological technical staff.
• Cultivates strong working relationships with clients.
• Performs other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Formal Education, Licenses and Certifications

• Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource Management or other environment or science related field.
• Professional Wetland Scientist certification preferred or obtained within a year.

Knowledge and Experience

• 8 years of experience conducting wetland delineations, State of Michigan and local regulatory permitting, report writing
• 3 years of experience of project management
• Experience preparing local, state, and federal permits for stream and wetland impact applications.
• Technical knowledge of wetland, stream, lakes, and / or floodplain statutes and development regulations.
• Working knowledge of site and construction plan process.
• Technical knowledge of wetland mitigation construction and monitoring.
• Working knowledge of typical computer software programs and / or devices used for ecological services (GPS sub-meter unit, Google Earth, Arc GIS, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, etc.)

Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, communicate internally with other departments, move various project types through their project phases.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with public agencies, possess the desire to develop new relationships, and expand the services of existing clients.
• Effective written and verbal communication is necessary and independent judgment is essential.
• Self-motivated and the ability to motivate others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to function effectively in teamwork environment.
• Ability to work on several projects concurrently, prioritize workload, and cope with tight timelines to meet all deadlines without compromising quality.
• Strong mentoring skills and training younger professionals.
• Excellent problem-solving skills; complete assigned tasks efficiently and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong understanding of financial management.
• Strong, well-developed conflict resolution skills and ability to focus on client satisfaction.
• Possess the ability to change focus quickly during a typical day.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in office and outdoor settings.

Fieldwork involves working long hours outdoors in all types of weather, walking long distances, navigate natural landscapes, crawling or climbing over fallen trees and debris, digging small holes, and standing for extended periods.

Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate drafting instruments, computers, and various pieces of office equipment.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls;
• and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl;

talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move objects up to 25 pounds.

Availability

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Travel

Travel throughout Michigan and possibly the Midwest is expected for this position.