Ecological Risk Assessment Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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AECOM has an exciting opportunity for a Restoration Ecologist/Technical Project Manager in our Orange or LA offices, with opportunities to work across Southern California (and potentially other western region States).  This is a hybrid role (combination of remote and office based work).

This role will predominantly involve task leadership working with a team to implement and manage restoration projects across southern California. Individuals will be responsible for projects and tasks that involve innovative onsite restoration planning and implementation, environmental mitigation and conservation planning; multi-disciplinary teamwork with restoration ecologists, biologists, planners, permitting specialists, wetland scientists and landscape architects; and creative integration of natural resource analysis and project design. This position works with a variety of clients, travel to job sites, and will require field work.

The primary role of the Restoration Ecologist/Technical Project Manager will be managing projects and/or tasks of various sizes, setting timelines and expectations for project teams, developing restoration plans and confidently overseeing implementation of restoration activities in the field, maintaining positive client relationships, assisting with business development and supporting preparation of scope/cost proposals for new projects. The Restoration Ecologist/Technical Project Manager will be responsible for high-quality technical expertise in ecological restoration, including but not limited to preparing restoration plans and restoration annual reports, implementing restoration and long-term maintenance and monitoring programs, and developing appropriate performance monitoring methods. In addition, this role will involve adaptive management planning/implementation and assisting clients to achieve successful project results and regulatory approval.

Additional duties may include performing or overseeing botanical surveys, supporting rare plant mitigation programs, supporting mitigation banking and conservation planning, and/or assisting with various natural resources related projects and tasks.

Specific duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Performs as contributor and/or lead author on large natural resources documents such as Habitat Restoration Plans, Habitat Management and Mitigation Plans, Weed Control Plans, Special-status Plant Restoration Plans, and project reports; may also author Biological Technical Reports and Biological Assessments.
• Participates in and/or leads meetings with clients and resource agencies.
• Performs task and project management duties such as risk and safety management, budget planning, scope management, accounting updates, client progress reports, and regular invoicing.
• Supports preparation of scope/cost proposals, for a variety of clients and project types.
• Promotes safety culture and leads by example. Maintaining and implementing Safe Work Plans. May also oversee or prepare permit applications for federal, state and local regulatory entities.
• Participates and/or leads restoration and/or botanical fieldwork efforts.

About AECOM's Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it.  We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.
AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world's most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology or related field (e.g., Environmental Science, Watershed Planning, Natural Resource Management, Hydrology).
• 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in a restoration/botanical related field.
• Valid Driver's license is required for this role.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in the restoration/ecology/botany field or advanced degree (MS) and 8+ years of restoration/botanical related experience.
• A strong background in restoration ecology and ecological processes, as well as experience implementing restoration (e.g., container planting, seeding, and weed control), including making decisions on most appropriate method for individual project needs).
• Experience in California and southwest U.S., including extensive knowledge of native and non-native flora and experience identifying in the field, as well as botanical skills, including keying plants using the Jepson manual.
• Experience in biological survey fieldwork, including vegetation monitoring utilizing line-intercept, transect, and/or Releve methods, as well as experience with GPS and electronic data collection devices. 
• Knowledge of major state and federal agencies (e.g., USACE, USFWS, BLM, BOR, CDFW, RWQCB, and CCC) and major regulatory frameworks (e.g., NEPA, CEQA, ESA, CESA, CFGC, CWA and CCA).
• Strong technical writing ability and experience completing Habitat Restoration Maintenance and Monitoring Reports, Mitigation and Monitoring Plans, Biological Assessments, and/or EIR/EIS sections.
• Participates and/or leads restoration and/or botanical fieldwork efforts.
• Task management experience and strong project management skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team; be innovative and a problem solver.
• Familiarity with complex issues related to ecological restoration, wetland ecology, watershed planning, conservation planning, and/or natural resources planning.
• Experience supporting proposal efforts.
• Arborist Certification.
• Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control.
• Qualified SWPPP Practitioner.
• Prior consulting experience is highly desired.
• Experience overseeing restoration projects with a design element.
• Restoration construction (earthmoving) planning experience.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.