Restoration Ecologist

Meristem is a small ecological firm with a large consulting footprint. We specialize in natural resource permitting, wetland delineations, mitigation banking, native plant landscapes, habitat restoration, and native plant workshops. Meristem is dedicated to preserving and protecting natural ecosystems through innovative and effective conservation strategies. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Native Plant Restoration Specialist (Restoration Specialist) to join our team and help manage our existing and proposed mitigation sites.

Overview:

Meristem is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented individual with mitigation site establishment and habitat restoration experience along with both client and project management experience.

The Restoration Specialist will oversee both native plant installations and invasive species maintenance on multiple properties throughout Indiana and the surrounding states. The emphasis will be on Forested and Emergent Wetlands as well as Riparian Bottomland Forests associated with Stream Mitigation sites.

The Restoration Specialist will identify both native and non-native plant species, complete data collection, draft reports, interact with agency personnel, coordinate with clients, manage teams, schedule material with vendors (seeds, plugs, containers, etc.), review and QC supply orders, apply herbicide, mechanical remove weeds with power equipment and mentor others in this role.

Primary Duties:

• Have a Safety First approach in all aspects of the job.
• Proactively Communicate updates, needs, issues, results, resolutions, feedback, and solutions verbally in person or using a phone and with text and email as necessary.
• Coordinate and oversee the implementation of comprehensive mitigation plans.
• Program Manage the removal of invasive species on larger sites and personally remove invasive species through herbicide and mechanical means on smaller sites.
• Maintain a pesticide applicators license.
• Have the proper training, and be willing to receive additional training (and certifications as necessary) to operate Backpack Sprayers, ATVs/UTVs, Small Boats, Brush Saws, Chainsaws, Mowers, and other equipment to physically implement invasive species control measures.
• Track the progress of projects and the activities performed using a variety of database management software and GIS applications.
• Develop strategies and remediation measures to bring mitigation sites into permit compliance
• Install staff gauges and piezometers. Install HOBO (or similar) water level data loggers. Record and write hydrology monitoring reports based on HOBO software applications.
• Prioritize, plan, schedule, and integrate invasive species control plans that utilize manual, mechanical, and/or chemical control methods.
• Train, mentor and supervise field crews to complete invasive species control.
• Provide proper environment for herbicide mixing, implementation and disposal.
• Maintain mechanical equipment to keep in proper condition.
• Monitor and document the effectiveness of control measures and adjust strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as clients, non-profit organizations and community groups.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations and best practices.
• Coordinate with and oversee contractor for a range of invasive species control and habitat projects.
• Create long-term strategies for invasive species control

Position Requirements (Minimum):

• Five (5) YEARS of Professional Mitigation Site Restoration Experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Conservation Biology, Botany, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• An in-depth understanding of native plant habitats, habitat management, wetland science, riparian ecology, and invasive species control.
• Advanced native and invasive species identification skills in wetland and stream habitats.
• Ability to operate chainsaws, brush saws, backpack sprayers, and other tools for cutting/spraying vegetation.
• Supervisory experience overseeing permanent or seasonal employees and project management experience overseeing contractors.
• Advanced ability to read civil design drawings with native plant installation designs with typicals, cross sections, and other data pertinent to the establishment of mitigation sites.
• Strong ability to read and interpret Conservation Easements, Plats, Parcel Data, and correctly correlate project boundaries, utility easement boundaries, and property boundaries with Project Site Surveys.
• Incredible writing skills allowing for the reader (Supervisor, Colleague, Client, Agency, Public) to easily interpret the results and/ or discussion of collected/ observed data in a technical report, email, or text.
• Ability to use multiple forms of GIS software and GPS hardware, including ESRI applications, Trimble, Google Maps/Earth.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including working occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel on a regular basis, including overnight travel for up to a week at a time to conduct or oversee fieldwork, complete field monitoring activities, attend meetings, etc.
• Have an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record.
• Consent to random drug test screening policies.
• Ability to work completing strenuous activity in a range of weather conditions (including high heat or near freezing temperatures) for significant periods of time, including traversing difficult or uneven terrain, while lifting and carrying heavy objects (40 lbs).

Compensation

• Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
• Benefits:
  • Fully paid medical premiums (up to $400.00/ month).
  • Employer-matched retirement savings (100% match up to 6% of salary).
  • Paid Personal Time Off (15 PTO days annually).
  • Paid holidays (13 Holidays annually).
  • Paid Mileage for personal vehicular use.
  • Lodging, meals, and transportation covered for work-related travel away from home.