Quantitative Ecologist – Portland, OR (Hybrid)

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an Entry-level Quantitative Ecologist to support a diverse portfolio of wildlife and environmental compliance projects throughout the United States.

This position is primarily a part-time opportunity, approximately 24 hours per week, with the flexibility to consider full-time employment for the right candidate based on project needs.

The Quantitative Ecologist will provide technical support for wildlife monitoring, ecological research, impact assessments, and environmental compliance projects associated with energy development. The position will involve study design, data management, statistical analysis, spatial analysis, reporting, and data visualization.

Assignments may include wildlife monitoring, acoustic data analysis, mortality estimation, habitat use assessments, ecological modeling, literature reviews, and technical reporting.

The successful candidate will collaborate with project managers, GIS specialists, senior biologists, and other technical professionals to produce scientifically rigorous and defensible analytical products. We are seeking a motivated, adaptable individual who is eager to learn new methods, software, biological systems, and regulatory frameworks as project needs evolve.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist with reviewing experimental designs, sampling methods, and statistical approaches to support project objectives and ecological research programs.
• Provide technical assistance to project teams in developing data collection and analytical methods.
• Support the review of study plans for statistical rigor, scientific merit, and appropriate analytical approaches.
• Compile, clean, validate, organize, and manage complex biological datasets, including acoustic monitoring, occupancy, habitat use, demographic, and wildlife mortality data.
• Assist with statistical analyses related to wildlife population demographics, fatality estimation, population status, and ecological trends.
• Support spatial analysis, ecological modeling, and the preparation of maps, figures, tables, and data visualizations.
• Develop and maintain standardized workflows for data processing, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and technical reporting.
• Assist with developing analytical methods, best practices, templates, and tools to support efficient and defensible ecological research.
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize scientific findings relevant to project objectives.
• Contribute statistical content to technical reports, scientific publications, and regulatory deliverables in collaboration with project managers and technical staff.
• Assist with interpreting analytical results and communicating findings to project teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Support presentations of project findings at agency, client, and professional meetings.
• Learn and apply new analytical methods, software applications, and ecological concepts as project needs evolve.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Statistical Ecology, Quantitative Ecology, Wildlife Biology with a quantitative emphasis, or a closely related field.
• Entry-level candidates with approximately 1–2 years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply. Relevant academic research and internship experience will also be considered.
• Foundational understanding of statistical analysis, quantitative methods, and ecological or biological research.
• Experience managing, organizing, and analyzing complex datasets.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with statistical software, programming languages, or database management tools such as R, Python, Microsoft Access, Oracle, MySQL, or SQL Server.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Willingness to learn unfamiliar analytical methods, software, biological systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of professional experience in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental consulting, natural resources, or quantitative research.
• Knowledge of population dynamics, ecological modeling, spatial analysis, and applied statistics.
• Familiarity with statistical methods used in wildlife monitoring, occupancy studies, habitat use, demographic analysis, or mortality estimation.
• Experience using R or Python for statistical analysis, data processing, modeling, or visualization.
• Experience with GIS applications and spatial datasets.
• Experience preparing technical reports, scientific manuscripts, or regulatory agency deliverables.
• Experience presenting biological data and analytical findings to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Familiarity with environmental compliance or ecological research associated with energy development.
• Ability to apply quantitative methods across multiple projects, species, datasets, and client needs.

Work Environment:

• This is a remote, work-from-home position associated with Tetra Tech's Portland, Oregon location.
• The successful candidate will collaborate virtually with project managers, technical specialists, and environmental professionals supporting projects throughout the United States.
• The preferred schedule is part-time, approximately 24 hours per week. Full-time employment may be considered depending on candidate qualifications and project needs.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Medical benefits, workers compensation insurance, and 401(k) plan.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $31.25-$40.87 hourly

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.