Staff Ecologist

Welcome to Verdantas, where innovation meets sustainability, and your career finds purpose!

At Verdantas, we’re redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering through our use of cutting-edge modeling and digital technology and our genuine commitment to people. Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure.

Our commitment to excellence, across more than 90 offices, is championed by a team of over 2,000 experts, scientists, engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture, prioritizing the well-being of our employees, clients, and the communities we serve. We partner with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. We don’t just solve problems; we help shape a more sustainable future.

Join a people-first culture that values your well-being, empowers your growth, and amplifies your impact. At Verdantas, your career goes beyond the expected, and your work helps build a better world.

Ready to shape the future of resilient communities?

Verdantas is seeking a Staff Ecologist to join our Environmental team in Ohio. This position can be based in Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Columbus, Cincinnati, or another Ohio office and is ideal for an early-career environmental professional looking to build hands-on experience in ecological fieldwork, natural resource assessments, and environmental permitting.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist with wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, and other ecological field studies.
• Identify wetlands, streams, vegetation, and sensitive environmental resources.
• Collect and document field data using GPS and GIS-based applications.
• Assist with USACE wetland data forms, ORAM, QHEI, HHEI, and related assessments.
• Support preparation of technical reports, environmental documentation, and permit applications.
• Assist with environmental permitting associated with USACE, OEPA, ODNR, USFWS, and other regulatory agencies.
• Work alongside experienced ecologists, scientists, engineers, and project managers on multidisciplinary projects.
• Perform fieldwork throughout Ohio and surrounding states, including occasional overnight travel.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, or professional environmental field experience.
• Familiarity with wetland delineation, ecological fieldwork, plant identification, or stream assessments.
• Interest in developing knowledge of USACE wetland methodologies and environmental permitting.
• Familiarity with GPS, GIS, or mobile field data collection tools.
• Strong communication, organization, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Willingness to travel and work extended field hours during peak field seasons.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous environmental consulting, internship, or co-op experience.
• Coursework or field experience involving wetlands, botany, ecology, soils, or aquatic resources.
• Familiarity with Midwest plant identification.
• Exposure to ArcGIS, Field Maps, Survey123, or similar applications.
• Familiarity with ORAM, QHEI, HHEI, or USACE wetland delineation procedures.

Grow Your Career with Verdantas

At Verdantas, you’ll learn alongside experienced environmental and engineering professionals while gaining hands-on experience on projects throughout Ohio and the Midwest. You’ll have opportunities to strengthen your field and technical skills, gain exposure to environmental permitting and regulatory programs, and take on increasing responsibility as your career develops.

Salary Range:

The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $25.00–$30.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, and internal equity.

Benefits: