Ecological Restoration Specialist 1 or 2

General Description

Are you passionate about restoring natural landscapes and improving stormwater management systems? Do you thrive in a role that combines ecological expertise with technical project oversight? If so, we want you on our team!

The Ecological Restoration Specialist will play a critical role in designing and implementing stormwater management landscapes that enhance ecological function, provide essential wildlife and pollinator habitat, and support sustainable watershed management. As part of the City of Madison Stormwater Utility Division, you'll contribute to the stewardship of over 2,000 acres of land, and your work will ensure that stormwater is properly infiltrated, treated, and managed before it reaches surface waters, reinforcing the health of our city's water ecosystems.

The selected candidate will be hired as either an Ecological Restoration Specialist 1 or 2 depending upon relevant training and experience.

Starting pay for an Ecological Restoration Specialist 1 is $70,899.40 - $83,478.98 Annually.
 
Starting pay for an Ecological Restoration Specialist 2 is $76,903.32 - $91,258.70 Annually.
 
This position is regularly scheduled for 38.75 hours per week. Standard work hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Ecological Restoration Specialist 1

 

This is entry level professional engineering and/or ecological restoration work performed in the office and/or the field in connection with the design and construction of stormwater management projects such as: greenways, detention/retention ponds, rain gardens, etc. Assignments are received from higher-level engineers or supervisors who define the scope of the work, review the work in progress and upon completion, and certify the results. The work is characterized by the application of theoretical expertise related to stormwater management and ecological restoration and the attainment of procedural knowledge through on-the-job training and experience.

Ecological Restoration Specialist 2

 

This is intermediate-level professional engineering and/or ecological restoration work performed in the office and field in connection with the design and construction of stormwater management projects. Assignments are received from higher-level engineers or supervisors who define the scope of the work, review the work in progress and upon completion, and certify the results. The work is characterized by the application of expanded professional expertise encompassing both theoretical concepts and operational considerations gained through experience.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community. 

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Technical oversight and review of restoration projects.

• Provide technical oversight and review of restoration projects associated with existing and new stormwater greenways, detention and retention ponds, rain gardens, etc. performed under public works and private development contracts.
• Review contracts, plans, and specifications to ensure compliance with contractual requirements. Review ecological contracts submitted by private developers to ensure it meets the city’s requirements for restoration.
• Coordinate preconstruction meetings, construction schedules and activities.
• Review submittals for restoration-related materials (e.g. seed mixes, matting, etc.) to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Coordinate contractor’s schedule and planting with project manager and inspector and other outside agencies to avoid and resolve potential conflicts.
• Perform site visits to verify existing condition, review survey data, and confirm layout staking, grading, and the use and placement of approved materials. Direct contractor as needed. Troubleshoot issues during construction as necessary. Document contract status and re-inspection needs.
• Provide restoration related technical assistance to contractor during construction and vegetation establishment.
• Provide guidance and help coordinate any subcontractors or Forestry staff related to tree removals or preservation.
• Respond to complaints related to erosion control issues or drainage issues. Provide guidance or recommendations as necessary. Compose letters, issue notices and/or citations as necessary.
• Manage inquiries about restoration work from residents related to stormwater quality installations or restoration work.
• Track construction quantities and costs.
• Review pay applications and change orders for restoration related bid items.
• Participate in substantial completion walkthroughs. Identify restoration issues to be resolved prior to substantial completion notice issuance. Track through to resolution.
• Oversee contractor maintenance during maintenance period to ensure compliance with contract requirements. Work with contractor to resolve any issues.
• Participate in warranty walkthroughs. Identify restoration issues to be resolved prior to release of surety. Track through to resolution.
• Assist with contract finalizations and closeouts pertaining to stormwater quality and restoration work.
• Use Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) platform for all project related communication, documentation, and work flows.

Other related responsibilities.

• Oversee and manage annual ecological restoration contract and others as assigned.
  • Make informed decisions about restoration approaches on ponds, greenways, and shorelines and integrate into each season’s management activity.
  • Prepare plans and specifications.
  • Answer technical questions from the public, contractors, property owners, and elected officials about engineering considerations and plans. Attend public hearings and other public information meetings with higher level engineers and provide project-related information as requested.
  • Coordinate design activities with other Engineering Units, City agencies, and other entities as necessary.
  • Prepare project and construction cost estimates.
  • Coordinate release of Request for Proposal (RFP) with Purchasing.
  • Oversee proposal evaluation process to select contractor.
  • Serve as primary contact for contractor.
  • Perform field visits to ensure work is being completed per terms of contract.
  • Manage contractor and payments.
• Keep accurate records of restoration activities and update in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Perform greenway and pond maintenance inspections required for regulatory compliance; Document findings, provide maintenance recommendations, create work orders for maintenance and repairs to be performed in-house, and complete records updates.
• Assist with stormwater management annual certification processing and filing.
• Prepare and present information pertaining to ecological work and green infrastructure for conferences, community groups or public informational meetings.
• Prepare narrative and statistical reports, maps, and other materials as necessary. Conduct basic engineering research.
• Prepare letters and notices to the public regarding construction activities; calculate assessments.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

To Be Hired as an Ecological Restoration Specialist 1

• Two (2) years of experience applying the following:
  • Principles, theories, and practices of civil engineering and/or ecological restoration, particularly as they relate to the design and construction of stormwater management projects and green infrastructure
  • Computer software applicable to the duties of the position; AND

Familiarity with:

• Methods and techniques associated with the construction and inspection of public works projects

-OR-

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, agroecology, biological systems engineering, botany, conservation biology, environmental engineering or sciences, landscape architecture, natural resources, restoration ecology, soil science, or a closely related field.

To Be Hired as an Ecological Restoration Specialist 2

• Four (4) years of professional experience in the design and construction of stormwater management projects and green infrastructure, equivalent to experience gained at the Ecological Restoration Specialist 1 level with the City of Madison

-OR-

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, agroecology, biological systems engineering, botany, conservation biology, environmental engineering or sciences, landscape architecture, natural resources, restoration ecology, soil science, or a closely related field; AND
• One (1) year of experience equivalent to that gained at the Ecological Restoration Specialist 1 level with the City of Madison

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.

For the complete list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities, please reference the Engineer 1 and Engineer 2 classification specifications.

 

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:
 

• Ability to perform field work.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Ability to frequently walk on uneven, steep, muddy, or snow-covered terrain to access greenways and ponds.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to dust and pollen.

*Payroll title for this position is either Engineer 1 or Engineer 2