Matrix has been named a Zweig Group 2025 Best Firm to Work For!
About Matrix: Matrix Design Group, Inc., an employee-owned planning, engineering, and environmental consulting firm is actively seeking a Senior Ecologist – Permitting Specialist/Project Manager in our Colorado Springs office. As an employee-owned company we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, respect, and excellence.
Our strengths of service, innovation, and skill are a result of that belief. We have a friendly, collegial, cooperative atmosphere and offer a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; holiday, vacation, and sick leave; training and education; 401(k) and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Matrix employees are encouraged to participate in employee wellness programs, social committees, and community outreach programs. We strive to employ highly motivated people with excellent communication and applied problem-solving skills who desire to advance their talents and skills.
Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $115,000.00 Annually. Salary will be dependent upon experience.
The Senior Ecologist – Permitting Specialist is a key technical expert responsible for navigating complex environmental regulations and managing permitting processes for ecological projects. This role requires in-depth knowledge of and experience with the Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with a focus on federal nexus permitting, knowledge and experience with state permitting processes, stream and wetland design, and restoration initiatives. Experience in urban stream and wetland ecology, watershed management, or urban wildlife management is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage permitting processes for projects involving wetland and stream restoration, habitat conservation, and ecological resource management.
- Provide technical expertise and regulatory guidance related to environmental permitting and compliance.
- Conduct wetland delineations, ecological site assessments, and functional assessments of wetlands and streams.
- Develop and oversee mitigation design, adaptive management strategies, and habitat restoration plans.
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and project teams to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including ecologists, engineers, planners, and landscape architects, to integrate ecological considerations into project designs.
- Support public engagement, stakeholder outreach, and agency coordination for permitting and conservation initiatives.
- Contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities, preparing proposals, and fostering client relationships.
- Utilize GIS modeling, plant and soil data collection, and ecological analysis to inform project planning and decision-making.
- Prepare technical reports, permit applications, and regulatory documentation to support project approvals.
Project Types:
- Stream and wetland restoration
- Park and open space planning and management
- Watershed and habitat conservation planning
- Site and regional master planning
- Fire mitigation and post-fire restoration
- Habitat mapping, vegetation monitoring, and adaptive management
The Senior Ecologist – Permitting Specialist will play a vital role in expanding the Ecological Services Center of Excellence at Matrix, driving innovation in ecological restoration, conservation, and environmental compliance.
Essential Functions:
- Provide project management including maintaining scope, schedule, and budget for projects.
- Provide client relationship management.
- Working knowledge of key federal and state wetland and waters rules and regulations, including but not limited to: Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and any state wetland and waters rules.
- Perform Wetland surveys and functional assessments including but not limited to Colorado Stream Quantification Tool, FACWet, and FACStream.
- Wildlife habitat assessments and monitoring.
- Provide plant identification and vegetation assessments.
- Provide environmental compliance negotiation and oversight.
- Prepare permit applications including but not limited to Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), Categorical Exclusions (CatEx), Individual Permits (IP), Regional General Permits (RGP), and Nationwide Permits (NWP).
- Provide technical support for open space planning and design, stream restoration, and development projects.
- Provide soil sampling and analysis.
- Lead report development and provide quality assurance/quality control.
- Review Request for Proposals and lead proposal development.
Competencies:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Proficiency with database creation and management.
- Proficiency with GPS units and ArcGIS.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
- Initiative and ability to solve problems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong background in environmental data management and analysis.
- Networking and business development.
- Ability to travel to the field and assist in field efforts.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited program in ecology, water resources, natural resource management, environmental policy, or another related field; master’s degree a plus.
- Minimum 5 years of directly related experience.
- Experience with providing data deliverables contract/client-specified format.
- Field analysis and sampling experience desired.
- Valid driver's license, in conjunction with successfully passing the Company’s MVR.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Matrix Design Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against based on disability.
The expected salary range for this position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location.
Any applicant with a qualifying physical or mental disability who believes s/he requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should contact us at 719-575-0100 for assistance.
How to Apply:
Please apply online at http://www.matrixdesigngroup.com/careers
