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Associate Project Restoration Ecologist


Job Location:

Amherst, MA - USA

Hourly Salary: $ 30 - 38
Posted: 22 August 2026 (20 days ago)
Application Deadline: 19 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is actively seeking a Project Restoration Ecologist to support our Ecological Restoration team across Upstate New York with the majority of work concentrated in the Syracuse and Buffalo regions.

This is a full-time opportunity for a hands-on professional with strong expertise in invasive plant management and herbicide application. The role is field-intensive and critical to the successful execution of restoration projects throughout the region.

Candidates must reside within driving distance of Syracuse and Buffalo NY.

What you will accomplish
  • Bachelors degree in Ecology Environmental Science Natural Resource Management or a related field.
  • 5 years of experience in ecological restoration with a strong focus on invasive species management and herbicide application.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience applying herbicides; Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (NY) or ability to obtain required.
  • Experience leading or supporting field crews and implementing restoration projects.
  • Strong knowledge of plant identification invasive species control techniques and Northeast/Great Lakes ecosystems.
  • Experience with ecological assessments restoration planning and regulatory compliance.
  • Familiarity with permitting and regulatory coordination in New York (e.g. NYSDEC).
  • Proficiency in GIS tools (e.g. Collector or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • CERP certification or ability to obtain preferred.
  • Valid drivers license and ability to meet SWCAs driver requirements.
Experience and qualifications for success

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree in Ecology Environmental Science Natural Resource Management or a related field.
  • 5 years of experience in ecological restoration with a strong focus on invasive species management and herbicide application.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience applying herbicides; Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (NY) or ability to obtain required.
  • Experience leading or supporting field crews and implementing restoration projects.
  • Strong knowledge of plant identification invasive species control techniques and Northeast/Great Lakes ecosystems.
  • Experience with ecological assessments restoration planning and regulatory compliance.
  • Familiarity with permitting and regulatory coordination in New York (e.g. NYSDEC).
  • Proficiency in GIS tools (e.g. Collector or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • CERP certification or ability to obtain preferred.
  • Valid drivers license and ability to meet SWCAs driver requirements.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing 100% employee-owned company that offers a full range of environmental services. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges all while staying true to our commitment to employee ownership. At SWCA we live our core values every day: we collaborate as #OneSWCA were #AlwaysLearning we #NeverSettle and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices across the country were proud to be one of the largest environmental compliance firms in the U.S. and to rank among Engineering News-Records Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and alignment with this commitment we post good faith pay ranges in all job postings. An employee in this Amherst MA-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $30.13 to $38.88/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience qualifications geographic location client requirements where applicable and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCAs Total Rewards package

( which includes a competitive Benefits package forward-thinking workplace flexibility outstanding corporate culture award-winning career development and more.

We offer a supportive team-focused work environment competitive pay and great benefitsincluding a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future. At SWCA were committed to helping our team members grow into industry leaders. Our award-winning Career Landscape program offers a clear and structured path to meaningful career development. We support your growth through conference attendance internal and external training education reimbursement our Science and Leadership Program and bonuses for qualifying publications. All regular-status employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical dental vision wellness life and disability coverage as well as access to our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCAs 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

SWCA continues to invest in our people. We value the skills and experience of our internal team members and strongly encourage qualified employees to apply for open positions. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible offering meaningful opportunities for career growth.

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.

If you need assistance accessing SWCAs website completing the online application or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability please contact us at or call 1-. Were 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.

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.

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#ind-swca


Required Experience:

IC


About Company

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SWCA provides comprehensive environmental planning, permitting, regulatory compliance, natural and cultural resource management, and air quality services to businesses and government clients across the United States.

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