Ecology Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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About the Position
The Transportation Ecologist plays a critical role in conducting and coordinating environmental fieldwork and technical reporting. With increased independence and expertise, this position supports the successful execution of environmental projects through advanced data collection, regulatory analysis, technical writing, and technical reviews. The Transportation Ecologist will play a key role in delivering complex Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) environmental projects, supporting ecological review, permitting, and compliance efforts across the state. This position provides opportunities to collaborate closely with GDOT staff, partner agencies, and multidisciplinary teams on transportation projects that balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. The role emphasizes technical excellence, interagency coordination, and professional growth through exposure to a wide range of ecological and regulatory challenges within the transportation sector. In some cases, this position may include the opportunity to serve as an embedded ecologist within GDOT, supporting program delivery from inside the agency's environmental team.
Key Responsibilities

• May independently lead environmental studies including wetland and stream delineations, protected species habitat assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, site inspections, environmental impact analysis, etc.
• Conduct data analysis and contribute to the development of technical reports and permit applications. Associated work products may include, but are not limited to environmental survey reports; Environmental Assessments; Categorical Exclusions; Environmental Impact Statements; Clean Water Act Section 404/401 permitting; and state buffer variance applications.
• Navigate ecology requirements throughout the GDOT Plan Development Process.
• Apply working knowledge of environmental laws and permitting requirements.
• May collect and analyze GIS and GPS field data and prepare project-related figures and maps.
• Coordinate and communicate with project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies as needed.
• Serve as a mentor and field lead to Scientist I-level staff, providing guidance on methods and expectations.
• Participate in QA/QC of deliverables and contribute to team reviews to ensure quality and compliance.
• Manage individual task timelines and budgets under the oversight of senior technical staff.
• Stay current on regulatory updates and industry best practices through training and professional development.
• Under the guidance of senior staff- maintains a focus on project scopes, schedules and budgets.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as company needs dictate.

Qualifications

• Early-career experience as an environmental consultant or environmental regulatory specialist.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in a relevant environmental discipline (Environmental Science, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Management, Environmental Planning, etc.). A Master of Science (M.S.) is preferred.
• Functional knowledge of relevant field such as wetland science, flora/fauna, and ecosystems of the Southeastern US, environmental impact assessment, etc. with demonstrated experience leading relevant tasks.
• Proficient with GIS and GPS mapping (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and similar software).
• Physically able to travel and conduct field work on various project sites with challenging field conditions such as steep terrain, thick vegetation, and inclement weather.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills with ability to deliver complete and clean documents.
• Ideal candidates would show specific experience with Departments of Transportation (DOT), Energy, Renewables, Municipal, or Federal projects.
• Experience reading and interpreting construction plans (civil, roadway, pipeline, etc.).
• Willingness to travel as projects require, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to work well within a team environment, bringing a positive attitude, multi-tasking abilities, and self- motivated mentality to produce high quality work.

About Pond
Pond is an award-winning, full-service architecture, engineering, planning, construction management, and environmental services firm providing professional solutions to clients throughout the U.S. and globally for nearly 60 years. Pond's staff of 800+ professionals provide a deep bench strength of experience and capabilities to offer customized solutions that help clients manage projects from concept to completion - and everything in between - with confidence and clarity. Pond is currently ranked as the 80th largest engineering and design firm by ENR, Atlanta's #1 engineering firm by Atlanta Business Chronicle, and has been recognized as an Employer of the Year by Georgia ACEC and a Best Place to Work for Working Parents.
Additional Information
Many factors are considered when determining compensation at Pond, including scope and level of position, geographic location, candidate skill, knowledge and experience. Starting base pay may vary depending on these factors. Please see the hiring range associated with this posting for more information.
Additional cash incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on position offered. Learn more about Pond's comprehensive benefits offerings here.
All offers of employment made by Pond & Company are contingent upon satisfactory background check results. Pre-employment background checks will be conducted on all candidates that are offered a position at Pond in compliance with program policy as well as state and federal regulations. Additionally, offers may be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Employment decisions at Pond are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state and local laws in jurisdictions where we operate. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hrdepartment@pondco.com.
Apply for this position at careers.pondco.com.We are always looking for driven professionals of all disciplines to join our fast-growing company. For more information on our services, clientele, or employment opportunities, visit our website at www.pondco.com.
Should you run into any issues in completing the application, please reach out to recruiters@pondco.com for assistance.