SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a temporary, non-exempt, hourly Staff Restoration Ecologist to support an ecological restoration project in the Buffalo, New York area. This role will be part of our Ecological Restoration Group and will focus on floodplain restoration and restoration plant installation.
The position requires approximately one month of consistent field deployment to the project site. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in ecological restoration, enjoy hands-on fieldwork, and work effectively as part of a team. Primary responsibilities include stake, container, and bare-root tree and shrub installation; deer fencing installation; and other related restoration tasks.
This position is scheduled to run from March 16, 2026 through April 17, 2026.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM EDT on January 16, 2026.
What you will accomplish
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Collaborate effectively as part of a team to complete ecological restoration projects.
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Communicate clearly and professionally with project team members in a timely manner.
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Carry out tasks and responsibilities as directed by Field Supervisors.
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Demonstrate accountability and a proactive approach to assigned work.
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Perform fieldwork responsibilities without leading field crews (this is a non-lead, temporary role).
experience and qualifications for success
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Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Wetland Science, Ecology, or a related field (preferred).
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Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in forestry, ecological restoration, landscaping, construction, or a related field.
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Experience with erosion control practices (preferred, but not required).
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OSHA 10-hour or 40-hour certification (preferred).
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Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment (required).
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Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
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Flexible and responsive during periods of change.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
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Demonstrated ability to execute tasks accurately and efficiently.
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Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in varied and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
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Valid driver’s license required.
SWCA Environmental Consultants is an established and flourishing environmental firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental compliance services. SWCA is an employee-owned company composed of environmental professionals who specialize in natural and cultural resource management, environmental planning, and regulatory compliance.
With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance companies and consistently ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer a team-oriented work environment, and a competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock ownership plan (retirement) for full-time, regular employees. Some benefits are also available to on-call, temporary or part-time employees.
If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.
SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges (above) on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.
A staff restoration ecologist in this Amherst, MA- based position can expect the following pay range: $24.31/hour to $30.90/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.
EOE – women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.
SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.