ERM is seeking a motivated Consultant, Botanist, Environmental Biologist/Ecologist/Scientist in Portland, Oregon to join our growing Capital Project Delivery team in the Pacific Northwest.  

The ideal candidate will have experience leading field-based botanical surveys and biological assessments, managing data, and writing technical reports to support permitting and project development. 

Experience using taxonomic keys for plant identification and following botanical survey protocols is required. Experience with wetland delineation, wildlife habitat mapping, wildlife field surveys and wildlife ecological assessments specific to the Pacific Northwest is preferred. 

In this role, you will work closely with ERM Project Managers and Partners on a variety of environmental permitting, due diligence, and impact assessment projects to support our renewable energy, oil and gas, power, and technology sector clients. This is primarily a field-based role, and an exciting opportunity to build expertise in botanical, wetland, protected species, habitat mitigation and environmental permitting in the Pacific Northwest.  

As a consultant at ERM, you will gain a wealth of experience across different sectors, clients, geographies and services. ERM's collaborative culture and nationwide network of experts provides knowledge sharing of best practices and ongoing learning opportunities for our consultants, allowing you to build your own individualized career path in project management or technical disciplines. 

• Develop and lead field programs primarily in the Pacific Northwest.  

• Lead and perform rare plant surveys, vegetation monitoring, and plant community mapping with a focus on Oregon and Washington states. Follow federal and state required survey protocols depending on project needs.  

• Perform other project delivery activities such as conducting field surveys including wetland delineations, habitat mapping and wildlife studies including birds, amphibians, and small mammals.  

• Collect and organize field survey data, performing research/ literature reviews, writing technical reports, and developing strategies and recommendations for clients.  

• Communicate with subcontractors, regulatory agents, landowners, Indigenous communities, and clients during field activities, as required. 

• Build strong collaborative relationships with other ERM employees worldwide. 

• Work on multiple projects within scope/budget/schedule expectations and ensure quality standards on project deliverables and timely delivery of reports.  

• Work within quality/budget/schedule expectations and scope-specific assignments and develop a basic understanding of project management responsibilities. 

• Work as an integral part of the Capital Project Delivery team and support the goals of the team. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• BS/BA degree in environmental science, biology, natural resources, or related discipline. Or equivalent experience.

• 2+ years of relevant environmental experience or professional internships. 

• Minimum of 3 field seasons of botanical survey experience including but not limited to: rare plant surveys, vegetation community/habitat mapping, vegetation monitoring, noxious weeds surveys.  

• Formal plant identification training, coursework or equivalent experience. 

• Working knowledge of field techniques for plant identification is required. 

• Environmental Assessment experience preferred, including expertise with federal, provincial and territorial regulations and guidelines pertaining to survey methodologies and environmental assessments. 

• Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography). 

• Strong commitment to safety. 

• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and on challenging terrain. 

• Ability to work weekends and over 40 hours per week during field mobilizations. 

• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a demanding work environment. 

• Detail-oriented with excellent critical thinking and trouble-shooting/problem-solving skills. 

• Effective written/verbal communication and organization/analytical skills. 

• Experience recording/writing detailed technical data and reports and building tables and spreadsheets (including tabulation and manipulation of data). 

• High level proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. 

• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.