Coastal Processes Specialist
Reports to: Technical Director
Location: Orleans, MA
Company: Wilkinson Ecological Design (WED)
Base Salary: $110,000-$135,000 annually
SUMMARY
The Coastal Processes Specialist serves Wilkinson Ecological Design (WED) as a technical resource on coastal processes and hazards (including impacts of climate change on coastal systems), shoreline erosion and erosion management, coastal flooding, coastal structural and landscape bioengineering, for a range of partners in the coastal areas of New England. While the position focuses on informing WED’s technical aspects and design of bioengineering and nature-based solutions, it will also support WED’s business development and networking objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participates in the company’s prompt response to new project leads relating to coastal erosion, salt marsh restoration and flood damage prevention. Attends initial meetings with potential clients to assess the needs of the client and develop customer service plans and continues as a project team member with projects through the design, permitting, implementation and monitoring phases of projects.
- Collaborates with design staff and construction team to develop practical, buildable design plans and project strategies within the parameters of consulting contracts. Ensures alignment between theoretical design intent and field implementation, resulting in projects that achieve client goals, meet regulatory requirements, and reflect WED’s mission and guiding principles of l ecological restoration
- Applies a high level of technical expertise in coastal processes to ecological restoration and environmental permitting to ensure that WED consistently produces the highest quality of work. This includes performing all work in a manner that is based on current scientific findings, scientifically defensible arguments, and techniques related to professional land management and ecological restoration, which form the basis of WED recommendations, designs, and operations.
- Delivers technical assistance related to coastal processes and hazards, beach erosion control and management, coastal structures and infrastructure, engineering and the operation, management, development, and restoration of coastal ecosystems.
- Identifies and delivers technical support to the WED team, regulatory agencies and other professionals using a variety of delivery mechanisms including written materials, digital media, presentations, meetings and workshops, site visits and individual consultations.
- Networks and serves as the liaison for commercial clients who retain WED as a subcontractor as well as with other professionals to secure new project opportunities and expand our professional network of business referrals.
- Maintains regular communication with clients as well as design team members (both WED and third-party design and implementation team members) while responding to client inquiries and other needs.
- Leads presentations on behalf of clients and in collaboration with the project team at regulatory review meetings (primarily local-level Conservation Commission public hearings) for the purpose of discussing the technical aspects, ecological benefits and services, implementation approach and regulatory compliance of WED-developed projects.
- Contributes technical information for project estimates and proposals prepared by estimating staff. Regularly updates the Management Team regarding coastal project information (e.g., scope, timeframe, budget), proposal development, status updates, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction.
- Regularly oversees a series of high-profile projects in all phases of design and construction. Serves as a technical leader within WED.
- Helps identify peer-reviewed studies, related scientific literature, and design studies to fill information gaps and identify funding sources to facilitate these efforts.
- Conducts site inspections to monitor work progress and environmental compliance in the construction phase.
- Serves as a regulatory expert in the preparation of design documents for permit applications. This includes participating in field assessments and reviewing site analyses completed by the Restoration Designers.
- Develops and maintains professional and collaborative relationships with regulatory review agency representatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Geology, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management or related field preferred coupled with three years of relevant experience or bachelor’s degree in Geology, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management or related field preferred coupled with 7+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s Degree and 10+ years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in presenting projects before regulatory compliance review boards seeking project approvals.
- Familiarity/Experience with Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, Regulations, and Policies as well as local wetland protection Bylaws and Regulation and local Conservation Commission project review procedures preferred.
- Familiarity with marine construction, ecological restoration and bioengineering construction.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch-up, ArcGIS, GPS.
- Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Ability to review and understand construction documents and plan details.
- Self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, provide leadership and work respectfully as a team with co-workers.
- Proven strategic thinking, planning, interpersonal and relationship building skills.
- Available to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Ability to lift material and/or packages weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
- This job will have exposure to occupational hazards such as tick-borne illnesses, biting and stinging insects, and strenuous outdoor activity in a variety of adverse weather conditions year-round.
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Authorized to work in the United States
APPLICANTS
Please submit your resume and a cover letter to [email protected] or apply through the website at https://www.wilkinsonecological.com
About Wilkinson Ecological Design
Wilkinson Ecological Design is committed to delivering projects with ecological integrity, technical excellence, and long-term environmental benefit. We integrate design, regulatory knowledge, and construction expertise to create resilient landscapes that restore and protect natural systems.
Our team values collaboration, accountability, and a solutions-oriented mindset. We are growing — and we are looking for professionals who want to grow with us.
