Quantitative Ecological Scientist

About Exponent

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients' most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you'll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team   

Key statistics: 

• 950+ Consultants 
• 640+ Ph.D.s 
• 90+ Disciplines 
• 30+ Offices globally 

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Quantitative Ecological Scientist for our Ecological & Biological Sciences Practice in Bellevue, WA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to provide technical support to various environmental projects in the United States and around the world. Projects may involve environmental assessments, restoration projects, resource matters, impacts relating to chemicals and other stressors in the environment, ecological risk assessment, causal analysis, and resource damage assessment. Candidates are expected to work collaboratively on projects with other members of the Ecological and Biological Sciences Practice and interdisciplinary teams from other Exponent practices, as appropriate, within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. Eligible candidates will be asked to complete a short data analysis task as part of the evaluation of a candidate's qualifications and experience.

You will be responsible for

• Synthesizing multiple data sources to detect, quantify, and model ecological change and its underlying drivers
• Processing LiDAR and DEM datasets to generate hydrologically-correct terrain surfaces, including watershed boundaries, drainage networks, and flood/erosion assessments
• Conducting spatial analyses (e.g., slope, buffer, overlay, viewshed, risk mapping) for project-specific needs
• Converting tabular datasets (Excel/CSV, field data) into GIS layers with proper attribution
• Assisting in map production and cartographic outputs for reports and client deliverables
• Supporting georeferencing of scanned maps, imagery, or engineering drawings
• Building and maintaining a structured geodatabase for ongoing projects
• Performing and explaining quantitative analyses with complex datasets
• Reviewing and synthesizing technical and scientific literature and reports
• Applying creative and critical thinking to prepare reports and technical presentations, including visualizations of complex datasets and trends
• Developing professional status by authoring peer-reviewed publications, participating in, and presenting at technical conferences and activities of professional societies
• Collaborating with scientists and engineers to ensure analyses align with project goals

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in the area of Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Wildlife, or related field with a background in Applied Statistics
• Experience in statistical or population modeling using complex datasets, including large and small datasets collected over differing temporal/spatial scales
• Accomplished in R and/or Python (or equivalent), proficient in git (or equivalent), remote sensing (ESRI, GEE), digital elevation models (DEM) & LiDAR processing, hydrological & terrain modeling
• Proficient in spatial, GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar), including understanding of raster data (e.g., satellite imagery, aerial photos), and integration with GIS, data analysis, AI, ML, LLMs
• Strong data QA/QC mindset ensuring spatial accuracy, metadata documentation, and reproducibility
• Ability to manage tasks and/or projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Excellent writing and critical thinking skills
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Skilled with satellite/remote sensing data and/or genomics data and bioinformatics a plus but not required
• Experience working with stakeholders and industry preferred, but not required
• Currently based or are willing to relocate to the Bellevue, WA area

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.  

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference. 

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for​ building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary RangeUSD $104, USD $129,000.00 /Yr.
Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our page: 

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR- 

Job LocationsUS-WA-Bellevue

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