Scientist III (CTS / RLF Expert - Ecologist)

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Ecologist ready for a new challenge. As a Scientist III at RES, you will bring your scientific expertise, field leadership, and mentoring skills to support complex ecological restoration projects. You will also oversee the monitoring and maintenance of multiple conservation and mitigation banks across the West Coast, including sites that support federally and state-listed threatened and endangered plant and wildlife species.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical and writing background, a solid understanding of California’s regulatory environment, and proven experience in field activities such as rare plant and wildlife surveys and wetland delineations. An ideal candidate would hold a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit under the Endangered Species Act for California tiger salamander and/or California red-legged frog, as many of the managed banks and preserves have monitoring requirements for these species.

They should also demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and experience collaborating with landowners, grazers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders. This individual will work closely with field staff, project managers, regulatory teams, and operations personnel to support a wide range of restoration and monitoring efforts.

This position is based in our Sacramento, CA office, with an expectation of being onsite at least three days per week. The role includes regular travel and occasional overnight stays.

Successful candidates must be adaptable and responsive in a dynamic work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks can shift based on project needs. During the spring survey season, field data collection may span several consecutive weeks, and support may be required for projects located in other states.

Watch the projects our scientists work on here.

Why You’ll Love This Job:

• You’ll spend your time outdoors in the field, working in various habitats, and play an integral role in protecting and restoring streams, wetlands, and natural ecosystems.
• You’ll lead, train, and mentor field teams, helping shape the next generation of restoration professionals.
• You’ll be challenged with diverse projects that require both scientific rigor and creative problem-solving.
• You’ll have opportunities to contribute to technical publications, present at conferences, and engage with professional associations.

What your day-to-day might look like:

In this role, you will lead and train field teams in sampling protocols, safety procedures, and data collection, ensuring high-quality outcomes and adherence to safety standards. You’ll also operate and maintain scientific equipment, making sure that field data is collected accurately and reliably.

Your work will include reviewing and interpreting technical documentation such as standard operating procedures, monitoring plans, maps, and laboratory results. You’ll collect, manage, and analyze large datasets, applying rigorous quality control to ensure accuracy and reliability in the results.

You will be responsible for writing advanced technical reports with minimal revisions required, while also mentoring junior staff in data analysis and report preparation. Beyond reporting, you’ll evaluate sites to identify regulatory and technical requirements, perform risk analyses, and provide insights that inform project strategies.

Collaboration will be key, as you contribute to project design discussions, sequencing, and the scheduling of field activities. You’ll communicate directly with clients, summarizing project needs and providing timely status updates. Finally, you’ll have opportunities to engage with local and regional professional associations, with the potential to lead, present, and publish your work as a recognized expert in your field.

We would like to talk to you if you have many of the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences (required); an advanced degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience, or 3+ years with an advanced degree.
• Advanced knowledge in at least one scientific discipline (e.g., ecology, conservation, hydrology, flora/fauna).
• Intermediate knowledge across several related disciplines.
• Experience with scientific analysis software.
• Proficiency in functional assessment methodologies and calculations.
• Hands-on field experience with equipment such as YSI multimeters, turbidimeters, and GPS.

What will make you stand out:

• Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit under the Endangered Species Act
• Professional certifications such as CRAM, Wetland Delineation Certification, Washington Wetland Rating System, SWAMP, or CERP.
• FAA Drone Pilot certification.
• Comfortable operating UTVs, boats, and towing trailers.
• Demonstrated involvement in professional associations — especially in leadership roles or through contributions to publications or presentations.
• Experience mentoring junior staff or training field teams on technical methods.

You Will Thrive in This Role If You:

• Communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Enjoy problem-solving in dynamic environments and can independently evaluate site conditions and risks.
• Balance scientific rigor with practical project needs, contributing to designs and field sequencing.
• Take pride in delivering high-quality, client-ready reports with minimal revisions.