The Aquatic Resources Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: The Aquatic Resources Manager (Manager) will procure, propose, schedule, lead, facilitate, and provide quality control for consulting projects related to the regulation of wetlands and waterways. The Manager will perform work with the assistance from ecologists on Olson Ecological Solutions (OES) staff and contractors and subcontractors of other firms. The Manager will delegate work to the project team and provide training for ecologists on the OES staff.

Consulting projects will include aquatic resource delineations, reports, state and federal permitting (Joint Permit Applications), threatened and endangered species habitat surveys, and wetland specialist support for local permitting (such as Wetland Impact Evaluations and Schedule W forms). Other related tasks are possible based on interest, experience, and qualifications.

Work will primarily be in northern Illinois with the possibility of travel to southern Illinois and other states with similar ecology in the Midwest and North Central Northeast Regions, especially the neighboring states of Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The Manager must be able to perform the essential duties such as:

• lead and provide quality control for projects,
• develop and manage client and partner relations,
• procure new projects,
• manage projects and consulting team,
• train OES staff, and
• provide related administrative duties such as daily work reports and expense reports.

SUPPORTING DUTIES: At OES, we work as a team and wear many different hats. When not providing the essential duties listed above, the Manager may be involved with other types of consulting projects directed by other staff like those listed on the OES website and be included as part of the ecological restoration crew.

Consulting projects might include wetland and streambank mitigation and restoration plans, green stormwater infrastructure concept plans and specifications, and watershed planning. Often these roles include working with engineers and professionals from other firms on a project team. When in this role, the Manager will be a team member and conduct tasks as directed by other staff. Examples of tasks associated with these projects include assessing project sites, inventorying drainage areas, leading community meetings, conceptualizing projects and plans to filter and detain stormwater, creating planting plan specifications, writing grants, monitoring native plantings, entering data, and writing and editing plans and reports.

As part of the ecological restoration crew, the Manager might be involved with invasive species control (spot herbicide treatments, hand-pulling, weed whacking, shrub removal), prescribed burning, planting native plugs, native seeding, and seed collection. (Required certifications can be acquired after employment begins.)

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• At least two years of experience in wetland ecology including aquatic resource delineations
• Bachelor of Arts degree in ecology, environmental science, or related field
• Certifications listed below
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google suites, and websites used for delineations
• Good problem-solving and organizational skills
• Good “people skills,” able to build and maintain relationships with clients and partners
• Enthusiastic, courteous, cooperative, positive, and a team player

CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Wetland delineation training according to Army Corps of Engineers’ methodology
• Hold and maintain a state issued driver’s license free from suspension or revocation

CERTIFICATIONS PREFERRED

• Certified wetland specialist in at least one collar county of Chicago (Kane, McHenry, or Lake County) or the ability to achieve these certifications within one year of hire

TRAINING: Continual education and training are integral parts of the position. The Manager will attend an average of three training sessions, seminars, or conferences annually.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Travel: Be willing and able to use personal vehicle with OES door magnets (mileage and toll reimbursement provided), carry personal automobile insurance, and travel for multiple days up to one week.
• Phone: Use personal cell phone with approved carrier, as some carriers do not provide sufficient coverage in rural areas (monthly phone allowance provided).
• Conditions: Be willing and able to work outdoors on uneven terrain and in adverse weather and wetness conditions.
• Hours: Weeks will average 40 hours, 5 days per week but are flexible if fewer hours per week are desired. Be willing and available to occasionally work weekends and evenings.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

OES encourages employee diversity as a company preference and goal. Olson Ecological Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. OES and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race (including color and ancestry), religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or marital status, all in accordance with applicable law.