National Technical Specialist- Ecosystem Restoration
Job Description
Freese and Nichols is seeking a National Technical Specialist, Ecosystem Restoration, for our Stormwater Practice. This person can be located in any of Freese and Nichols' offices. As a National Technical Specialist, you will report to the National Technical Leader and be the steward of Freese and Nichols' technical reputation for all services within your area of specialization at the national level within the practice. In your area of expertise, you will be responsible for technical engagement, technical direction, technical development, technical excellence, and innovation within the practice.
Role Responsibilities:
Strategic Initiatives
Coordinate with National Technical Leader in defining vision for national expertise within area of specialization in the Practice.
Assist with Practice Plan (including sections covering Technology Report) in coordination with the National Technical Leader to capture vision for national expertise, identify technology and technical skills gaps, technical strengths, etc., within area of specialization.
Assist in FNI’s response/strategy for new regulatory requirements within area of specialization in coordination with the National Technical Leader.
Coordinate with National Technical Leader to promote R&D initiative within area of specialization in the practice; identify opportunities, work with teams to develop R&D applications and gain approval, monitor progress and guidance, and report to Practice Leader, Lead Team, and others as appropriate.
Practice Technical Growth and Development
Build team of Technical Specialists at the regional and local level, as may be required, including identifying roles needed to support practice vision and operational needs. Includes coordination with operational groups to develop, train, and mentor staff at the regional and local level.
Support Practice recruiting efforts for strategic and key hires.
Participate in strategic hire pursuits, on-boarding, and integration.
Coordinate with National Technical Leader to maintain Practice experience matrix within area of specialization.
Support overall Technical Excellence Program strategy/direction within area of specialization, work with technical team to develop training materials and best practices, and coordinate training with operational groups.
Develop, maintain, oversee, and routinely update Practice standards, processes, tools, specifications, and details in area of specialization. Coordinate with Technical Specialists and Group Managers to engage staff to draft, review, and update per plan.
Monitor new and emerging regulatory requirements relevant to area of specialization and lead the Practice’s strategic and technical response to these changes.
Client Development
Identify projects and provide support for developing conference abstracts, presentations, and papers, and applying for FNI innovation and industry award submittals.
Present at national and local conferences and serve/attend national technical committees in support of Practice Plan and growth initiatives.
Assist in technical elements for strategic pursuits, which may include technical team resource identification, technical approach development, shortlist interviews, and review of proposals developed by the practice.
Support marketing activities including articles for industry publications, intranet articles, social media, brochures, etc.
Develop and maintain client-focused technical seminars in area of specialization. Support local technical groups’ presentations to strategic and key accounts across the practice.
Quality Management System
Serve on the Practice Quality Bench as Senior Advisor and/or Quality Control Reviewer; coordinate with the team, identify gaps, and develop and implement improvements.
Participate with a greater level of technical engagement in key projects when needed by technical groups across the practice (e.g., Project Technical Task Leader).
Accountable for CI of identified technical deficiencies, which may include root cause analysis, documentation of lessons learned, implementation of improvements to standards, processes, and tools, and communicating improvements.
Support review of key scope and fee elements related to technical project delivery in area of specialization and quality or delegate as appropriate.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, or a related field. Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) preferred.
10+ years of progressive experience with recognized expertise in ecosystem and stream restoration, watershed-scale restoration planning, geomorphic assessment, sediment transport modeling, wetland and stream restoration design, and development of nature-based solutions to address flooding and erosion. Ability to lead and influence others, deliver complex projects, and develop technical approaches for proposals.
Recognized expertise with hydraulic modeling and geomorphic assessment tools. Experience with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, and field data collection methods is preferred.
Outstanding communication and organizational skills.
Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to work independently to achieve results.
Recognized expert of specific service or discipline within the practice.
Active in industry organizations within area of specialization. Leadership position(s) within industry organizations preferred.
Demonstrated recognition nationally via presenting, moderating, or other roles at national industry conferences, publication in national journals, or similar experience.
At least one of the following:
Professional Engineer in state of residence required with the ability to obtain in other states where the practice operates within 6 months of hire date.
Equivalent professional credentials demonstrating advanced expertise in ecological restoration, environmental science, or water resources (e.g., Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, Professional Wetland Scientist, Certified Floodplain Manager, Envision Sustainability Professional, LEED-Accredited Professional).
Licensed Attorney (J.D., active bar membership) specializing in environmental, water, or natural resources law.
About Freese and Nichols
At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values (Learn continuously, Engage as family, Act with integrity, Deliver quality, and Serve always). Each year, our employee engagement survey confirms that our leaders and our employees live our values.
We strive to be the firm of choice for clients and employees through innovative approaches, practical results, and outstanding service. For more than 130 years, we have been planning and designing the infrastructure our communities need: developing water supplies, designing roadways and bridges, preparing for natural disasters, and much more.
Besides our comprehensive benefits package (see more at Benefits That Work for You), we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina. We are proud of our flexible work environment which includes a hybrid schedule with up to 40% of remote work, and an alternative work schedule program which provides a day off every other Friday.
Join our team of 1,300+ employees as we grow from Virginia to Colorado. Learn more about working here at Working at Freese and Nichols.
Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.