Ecologist/Project Manager, Senior Associate Consultant | Buffalo, NY

Ecologist/Project Manager, Senior Associate Consultant | Buffalo, NY

Company: Davey Resource Group, Inc.
Locations: Tonawanda, NY
Additional Locations: NA
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 227195

Position Overview

Davey Resource Group (DRG) is seeking an experienced Ecologist/Project Manager to help grow and lead ecological consulting services throughout Western New York and the Great Lakes region. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a technical expert who enjoys building client relationships, managing complex restoration projects, mentoring staff, and shaping the future of ecological consulting in a growing market. DRG provides a full array of wetlands consulting, ecological restoration and maintenance, streambank/shoreline restoration and consulting services to clients in the private and public sectors.

The ideal candidate is independent, client-facing, and technically strong, with hands-on experience conducting wetlands delineations and collecting other ecological field data. Candidates with an existing client portfolio or demonstrated success breaking into new service markets are strongly preferred. The position will leverage the strength of a nationwide team while maintaining a strong regional and local, operations-integrated presence.

What You'll Achieve

• Lead and expand ecological consulting services across New York and the Northeast.
• Develop long-term relationships with public and private-sector clients.
• Mentor emerging scientists and project managers.
• Influence regional restoration and environmental compliance strategies.
• Participate in strategic business development initiatives.

Job Duties

Position Description and Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will work collaboratively with our project developers, biologists, and project managers. The position involves a variety of work including wetland delineations, 401/404 permitting, stream/wetland restoration design and construction, technical report writing, and management of a variety of projects that include monitoring, management and ecological restoration. The key focus of this position is to perform an active role in the development and management of new projects and providing service to existing clients. This includes preparation of proposals, project and crew management, networking, identifying new client relationships, and project opportunities. This may include attending conferences/workshops and public speaking. Job responsibilities include:

Project Management & Client Service

• Manage multiple ecological consulting projects from proposal through completion.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and resource plans.
• Invoicing and labor tracking
• Performing final QA/QC of work performed and supervision of crews and subcontractors as merited.
• Ensure successful delivery of client commitments while maintaining quality standards.

Technical Leadership

• Lead wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, and ecological restoration efforts.
• Native and invasive plant ID.
• Oversee technical reporting, regulatory permitting, and environmental compliance documentation.
• Provide expert guidance on Clean Water Act Section 401/404 permitting.

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new project opportunities.
• Prepare competitive proposals and technical presentations.
• Expand relationships with existing clients and develop new service markets.

Team Leadership

• Mentor field staff, biologists, and project managers.
• Coordinate subcontractors and project teams.
• Promote a culture of safety, collaboration, and excellence.

Travel Expectations: 25 to 50%, periodic travel throughout New York and the Great Lakes region should be expected.

Qualifications

Desired qualifications:

• Potential candidates must be a college graduate with a minimum of a four-year degree in biology, botany, ecology, conservation, environmental science, or related fields.
• 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in ecological consulting, environmental permitting, restoration planning, or related natural resource management disciplines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with limited supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including client-facing interactions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite; ability to learn company-specific compliance platforms.
• Desired professional credentials may include ESA Certified Ecologist, PWS, CERP, and/or CPESC.
• Existing client portfolio or demonstrated success expanding environmental services into new markets is preferred.

Additional Information

Full-time position. Compensation based on qualifications and experience. DRG offers competitive wages, excellent benefits and full-time position includes the option to buy company stock after one year. Pre-employment Drug Screen and Social Security verification required.

What We Offer:*

• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• All job specific equipment and safety gear provided.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match.
• Employee-owned company and discounted stock purchase options.
• Group Health Plan.
• Employee Referral Bonus Program: Send-A-Friend.
• Locations throughout the United States in major cities and desirable areas.
• Career Development Program supported by industry expert safety specialists and skilled trainers.
• The Davey Tree Family Scholarship for children of employees.
• Charitable matching gift program.

*All listed benefits available to eligible employees.

Employment Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%