River Restoration Scientist

NV5 (NASDAQ: NVEE) is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, we play a significant role in shaping our communities through the services we provide. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our team focused on Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives.

The Ecological Restoration Team at NV5 is seeking a full-time, remote River Restoration Scientist with 3+ years of experience and a strong proficiency in science focused on rivers, streams, and wetlands. The successful candidate will work cooperatively on a multi-disciplinary design team and will be administratively responsible to the River Restoration Group Manager.

Primary Duties

• Conduct geomorphic and aquatic habitat assessments utilizing traditional field techniques in rivers, streams and wetlands.
• Utilize GIS and remote sensing methods to evaluate site conditions and characterize geomorphic processes.
• Install and manage ground water wells and stream gages across restoration projects including data processing and analysis to support design and monitoring.
• Document soil profile characteristics and hydric soil indicators across multiple ecoregions.
• Conduct macroinvertebrate and water quality sampling following EPA and USACE guidance for project monitoring and baseline documentation.
• Produce maps to support field efforts and restoration design.
• Analyze data using Stream Quantification Tool or other functional assessments to support design and project permitting.
• Prepare report elements to support permitting and documentation for regulators and project partners.
• Provide construction oversight, utilizing effective communication and decision-making with contractors and clients during project construction to ensure successful project implementation.
• Maintain and track project schedules, deliver design deliverables on time and within budget, and effectively communicate and collaborate with the project team.

Secondary Duties

• Attend and actively participate in training sessions, activities, and field-related conferences as directed by supervisors. This ensures continuous learning and staying updated with industry best practices and advancements.
• Conduct all duties in strict accordance with NV5 handbook and policies. Ensure that all activities comply with guidelines that promote inclusivity and non-discrimination, providing equal access to educational programs, assistance, and materials regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status.
• Be prepared to perform any other related work as directed by Project Managers and supervisors. This may involve tasks beyond the outlined responsibilities, requiring flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing project needs.

• BS in ecology, geology, environmental science or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of work experience working on river, stream, or other water resources related projects.
• Demonstrated expertise conducting geomorphic analysis, interpreting results, and applying findings to design and restoration projects.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions across a variety of terrains and travel for projects up to 7 days at a time.
• Hands-on experience with various field data collection techniques, such as site assessments, pebble counts, channel morphology measurements, and vegetation mapping. Proficiency using equipment like total stations and RTK devices for accurate topographic surveys.
• Competence with technical writing and technical communication.
• Non-field work is typically performed from the employee’s home. Therefore, in addition to being able to perform the duties outlined above, the successful candidate will be flexible in the timing and methods of work and assignments, independent, a self-starter, and a problem solver.
• Ability to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree preferred, in field specific to ecological restoration, fluvial geomorphology, or river science.
• Professional licensure or certification in geology, hydrology, GIS or ecological restoration.
• Experience in applied fluvial geomorphology, either through education or consulting experience working with/under an experienced fluvial geomorphologist.
• Demonstrated experience and/or training with Natural Channel Design.

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Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

While most of the work is remote based, a portion of this position is subject to outside environmental conditions. The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the organization), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• This position may be subject to indoor and outside environmental conditions, including weather conditions such as wet and /or humid environments, extreme cold and/or heat, dusty and noisy work environments. 
• Work will primarily be in the field involving long term standing and frequent walking as well as include common hazards at construction and project sites.
• Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to walk over rough and uneven terrain and be able to stand up to 10-12 hours a day on occasion.
• Must have the ability to see, smell, hear, talk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel and twist, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, sit, stand, and walk.
• Weekend and overtime work and/or overnight work and travel may be required.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.