Ecologist

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Transportation - Agency 27 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $33.226 Job Posting: JR2025-00018514 Ecologist (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 08-19-2025 Job Description: The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking a biologist to join the Project Development team. As a biologist, you will work with an interdisciplinary team of professionals to ensure consideration of the environment during the transportation planning process. This position plays a vital role in the Clean Water Act 404 Permitting, Endangered Species Act coordination, Nebraska State Title 117 Coordination, and Nebraska Non-Game and Endangered Species Conservation Act coordination. It is essential for the NDOT Biologist to be able to communicate and coordinate with governmental, regulatory, and natural resource agency personnel effectively. Our team of environmental specialists and technical experts provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally. We reward our employees’ hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes: • State-matched retirement contribution of 156% • 13 paid holidays • Generous leave accruals that begin immediately • Military leave • Tuition reimbursement program • Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government • 79% employer-paid health insurance plans • Dental and vision insurance plans • Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy • Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State • Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service • Training and Development based on your career aspirations • Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship • Employee Assistance Program • Fun, inviting teammates • Free parking If unable to fill at the Highway Environmental Biologist II level, NDOT will consider applicants at the Highway Environmental Biologist I level. Highway Environmental Biologist I Pay range is $28.893 - $42.592 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved. Highway Environmental Biologist II Pay range is $33.226 - $48.979 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved. JOB DUTIES Prepare and review biological evaluations, species survey, and habitat assessments, interpret plans, identify potential impacts, and provide avoidance and minimization recommendations for highway transportation projects. Apply knowledge of federal and state laws, including: Endangered Species Act Nebraska Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act Fish & Wildlife Coordination Act Migratory Bird Treaty Act Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Clean Water Act State Title 117 National Environmental Policy Act For Threatened and Endangered Species: Plan, conduct, and review species surveys and habitat assessments for highway transportation projects. Analyze field survey data, engineering plans, and GIS databases to develop strategies to avoid, minimize, and apply conservation conditions for potential highway construction effects to identify threatened or endangered species, designated critical habitat, and/or other wildlife resources that may occur within the project corridor. Utilize Programmatic Agreements among FHWA, NDOT, USFWS, and NGPC for the determination of effects to listed species for the federal-aid highway program. Work with interdisciplinary teams to select mitigation sites, including design and development of mitigation plans for threatened and endangered species and/or their habitat. Conducts and/or oversees monitoring and management of developed threatened or endangered species mitigation sites. Develops management strategies for vegetation establishment and invasive species controls for mitigation sites. For wetlands and waters of the U.S.: Conduct field evaluations to delineate and classify wetlands and channels on NDOT highway projects statewide. Understand and use the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements. Identify plant species, perform soil evaluations, and interpret hydrologic conditions. Photograph field conditions at project sites, write reports, memos, and complete forms to document findings. Map wetland and channel types in GIS (ArcPro). Interpret project construction plans, topographic maps, and aerial imagery for impacts to wetlands and channels. Coordinate and attend agency consultation, pre-application, and preliminary project design meetings to participate in the identification and assessment of adverse impacts of projects on the environment. Complete Clean Water Act Section 404 permit applications Coordinate and manage project delivery for wetland reviews on highway transportation projects. Prepare wetland mitigation plans and/or banking instruments. Conduct monitoring field work on wetland mitigation sites and wetland bank sites. Analyze data and produce annual reports to the Corps of Engineers in fulfillment of permit conditions. Research, apply management practices, and develop potential wetland mitigation bank sites. Contact and communicate effectively with landowners for potential wetland mitigation sites Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements / Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Highway Environmental Biologist I: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical discipline related to environmental assessment or compliance review principles and practices, including but not limited to biological sciences, agricultural/soil sciences, geography, landscape architecture, ecology/environmental studies, or related engineering disciplines. Additional years of experience in the above work areas may substitute for the bachelor’s degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Highway Environmental Biologist II: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical discipline related to environmental assessment or compliance review principles and practices including but not limited to biological sciences, agricultural/soil sciences, geography, ecology/environmental studies, Historic Properties, landscape architecture, or related engineering disciplines, AND two (2) years’ experience performing research, investigative, or compliance work related to environmental or other technical assessments of the impact of construction, engineering, or similar projects. Additional years of experience in the above work areas may substitute for the bachelor’s degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree may substitute for one of the two years of required experience. Preferred Qualifications: 2-3 years of experience with preparation of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act Permitting and 1987 COE Wetland Delineation Manual, and/or 2-3 years of experience in Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act or Nebraska Non-game and Endangered Species Conservation Act. Experience with ArcGIS and using ArcGIS FieldMaps and GPS in the field. Experience with Projectwise and Openroad Designer or similar software. Specific Species Survey experience: Acoustic Bat Surveys, Mist Netting, American Burying Beetle Traps, etc. Experience conducting the Nebraska Stream Condition Assessment Procedure. A Chemical Applicators License in Nebraska. Experience with wetland mitigation management 12-step plan creation. Experience with threatened and endangered species mitigation, monitoring, and site management. Experience with Nebraska Title 117 and Section 401 CWA.Holds a Part 107 License to operate small unmanned aircraft. Other: Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation. Be available for occasional (10-30%) overnight travel for field work. Regular and reliable attendance is required. KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software and the use of project management software such as Clarity. Ability to communicate effectively through both verbal and written mediums. Ability to collect, organize, and present information in reports. Ability to manage multiple projects and multiple deadlines. Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. Once you've had the opportunity to explore our current open positions, apply for those of interest to you. https://das.nebraska.gov/personnel/training/ExternalTutorial/ Check back on your candidate profile to see the status of your submitted applications, as well as any new postings that might interest you! Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!

Salary : $29 - $43