Purpose and Job Duties:

The Junior Ecological Consultant (JEC) will work under the direct supervision of the Consulting Director, Senior Consultant(s), and/or Ecological Consultants. This position will be responsible for conducting wetland delineation field work (with direction/supervision from superiors), writing wetland delineation reports with minimal direction, submission of jurisdictional determination requests with minimal direction, writing/designing wetland specifications and landscape plans (with direction/supervision), preparing wetland permitting documents (with direction/supervision), performing monitoring field work and preparing reports with minimal direction, data collection and data entry, site inspections, providing management recommendations, and conducting maintenance field tasks as
necessary (i.e. herbicide application, mowing, prescribed burning). Primary duties include working with contractors, clients, and other company employees to ensure compliance with wetland and stormwater rules and regulations.

Responsibilities:

The JEC will be responsible for providing technical assistance and support on wetland related projects as required. The JEC must be able to quickly gather information and analyze data and to effectively and efficiently communicate recommendations and specifications to clients in a professional manner. Under direction/supervision, the JEC will perform detailed wetland delineation/monitoring site inspections, and will provide detailed reports and permit documents to clients. The JEC must demonstrate an attention to detail and conduct themselves in a professional manner and be well organized. The JEC must learn all federal, state, county, and municipal regulations regarding wetlands/stormwater. In addition, the JEC must be willing and able to pursue certification as a Lake County Certified Wetland Specialist, McHenry County Certified Wetland Specialist, and Kane County Wetland Review Specialist. This position may include training of new staff as necessary.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Wetland delineation field work assistance
- Wetland delineation report preparation
- Prepare and submit Jurisdictional Determination requests to USACE and clients
- Monitoring field work assistance
- Monitoring report preparation
- Conduct site inspections and site assessments as necessary, prepare site inspection memos and letters
- Conduct installation & maintenance activities on natural area sites, as well as leading crews onsite to perform these tasks
- Provide management/maintenance recommendations to field crews, other staff, client and other companies as necessary, updates daily logs
- Prepares initial wetland permit submittal documents and assists consultants as necessary
- Prepares initial wetland design documents as necessary

OTHER:

- Demonstrate good organizational skills, ability to work under multiple deadlines, and flexibility to handle changing priorities.
- Effectively communicate with Foreman, Superintendents, Directors and other ENCAP staff any on-site issues, concerns, or positive feedback/outcomes that arise during daily work, including but not limited to: invasive species problems, erosion control issues, potential field changes based on subcontractors or general contractors work, hydrology or drainage issues, high quality/endangered species, dead/missing plant material, wildlife usage, client interpretation/observation, and/or community feedback .
- Perform with and manage crews engaged in ecological maintenance/ restoration/construction activities including but not limited to: herbicide application, cutting/mowing, seeding, prescribed burning, installation of plant materials, trees, and shrubs, erosion control materials, and other associated activities.
- Maintaining a safe and clean work environment, on job sites, during travel, and within the shop through control and proper use/maintenance of physical material inventories, machines, equipment, tools, and PPE.
- Implement and follow ENCAP Safety Manual policies and procedures including weekly toolbox talks, enforcement of PPE use and maintenance, etc.
- Maintain a high level of professional conduct and a positive attitude while supervising staff, and while interacting with the public and ENCAP clients.
- Be familiar with and practice safe and proper operation of small power equipment, such as weed eaters, chainsaws, cut saws, compactors, backpack blowers, etc.
- Read and interpret construction drawings/technical specifications/ and other project requirements in order to complete tasks on sites to quality and technical standards.
- Maintains appropriate professional and technical knowledge through attending professional development classes and workshops to develop their technical skills.
- Effectively communicate with ENCAP clients regarding wetland related issues. This may include attendance of meetings, conference calls, or direct written documents

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Required to have a Bachelor’s Degree in plant biology, ecology, soil science, agriculture science, or related science field.
- Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in ecological consulting practices (wetland delineation, wetland permitting, wetland design), ecological maintenance practices (field restoration, herbicide application, mowing, etc.), and/or ecological project management.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license is required. All eligible candidates must turn in a certified driving record for ENCAP’s insurance to review and approve.
- Must be able to perform manual labor, operate small tools such as chainsaws, weed eaters, and back pack blowers, etc.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 Lbs. and navigate rugged and uneven terrain on foot.
- Must be able to follow oral and/or written instructions, work outdoors in variable and rugged conditions, and establish effective working relationships with other employees, officials and the general public.
- Must possess or be able to possess within 3 months of employment an Illinois Pesticide Applicator License.
- Must be proficient in computer programs such as Outlook, Excel, and Word.

 
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4 (a), 60-300.5 (a) and 60-741.5 (a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.