Consulting Biologist – (1405)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. WEST has an exciting, challenging, and immediate opportunity for one or two Consulting Biologists in our Pacific Northwest (Corvallis, Oregon) and/or Southwest regions (Las Vegas/Boulder City area). The ideal candidate(s) will have a strong background in managing natural resource field work, junior staff, agency coordination, and planning, siting, or permitting associated with renewable energy and/or other infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate(s) will be based in or near the Corvallis, Oregon office (PNW Region) or Las Vegas/Boulder City, NV areas (Southwest Region). Consideration for remote work (within the PNW region) may be considered, but preference is for candidates to be near our regional hubs of Corvallis or Las Vegas/Boulder City.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles that include providing Scientifically Defensible Solutions, Technical Expertise, Quality Client Service, a Satisfying Career, a Collaborative Team Approach, and a Respectful Atmosphere, all with an eye toward Continual Improvement. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

The minimum base salary is $65,000, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience.

This position will require overnight travel. Start date is flexible, within reason, but may start as early as February 2024.

Job Description:

Ideal candidates will have experience and expertise in environmental consulting; managing the natural resource field work and technical studies for renewable energy projects; successfully supporting applications for federal, state, and local permits; and writing environmental survey reports, permit applications (particularly sections related to wildlife, special status species or other natural resources), and mitigation plans. Candidates will be responsible for managing natural resource assessments, technical reports, and regulatory compliance documents for energy (e.g., wind, solar, and transmission) projects. A strong understanding of natural resource issues (both terrestrial and aquatic) is preferred, as is the demonstrated ability to oversee, train and mentor staff. Initial focus for the successful candidate will be on the far western region of the U.S (Great Basin, Pacific Northwest, and California). Technical expertise in regional focal areas or species (e.g., forest industry, anadromous fisheries, desert tortoise, eagles, bats, wetland permitting) a plus.

Responsibilities include:

WEST’s Consulting Biologists work individually, as well as with a team of natural resource specialists, environmental planners, scientists, and biometricians.

• Administration of projects:
  • Promote health and safety,
  • Primary point of contact for clients,
  • Prepare proposals, reports, and permit applications,
  • Provide quality assurance of deliverables,
  • Maintain project schedules,
  • Facilitate communication among the project team,
  • Agency coordination,
  • Participation in public meetings and agency hearings.
• Leading and organizing:
  • Pre-construction surveys,
    • Site assessments
    • Wetland and waterbody delineations
    • Species-specific wildlife or botanical surveys
  • Environmental planning and permitting,
  • Construction management plans (regarding natural resources),
  • Post-construction wildlife fatality monitoring.
• Supervision / Mentorship:
  • Manage project teams, deliverables, and budgets for multiple projects,
  • Supervise and direct field studies and staff,
  • Training and mentorship of junior staff.
• Market WEST’s capabilities:
  • Foster current client relationships by ensuring delivery of high-quality work,
  • Promote new business development efforts through client engagement and networking.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position. 

Requirements and Preferred Skills/Abilities:

The successful candidate will join WEST as a full-time regular Consulting Biologist and will be a motivated self-starter who possesses:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biological studies, natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology, or equivalent.
• Previous consulting experience (5+ years), including project management, budgeting and proposal writing, client/agency interactions, and professional scientific experience.
• Track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, clients, and project stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills:
  • Experience with scientific and technical writing and conveying information to clients, agencies, and the general public.
  • Close attention to detail.

• Good time management, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive feedback from colleagues and supervisors.
• Demonstrated regular and reliable work attendance.
• Ability to maintain flexible work hours and adhere to company policies.
• Previous professional experience in environmental consulting and the following skills are desired/highly beneficial:
  • A strong understanding of wildlife ecology, native or sustainable vegetation management, or other areas of ecology potentially of interest to commercial clients.
  • Familiarity with a broad suite of environmental regulatory compliance processes (Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, permitting processes for proposed renewable energy and/or other infrastructure projects in the western US).
  • Conducting wetland delineations, wildlife and/or botanical surveys (although field surveys are not expected to be a large component of this position).

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate(s) must be able to pass a background check; a pre-employment drug screen; and a DMV records check that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver’s license will be required. 

WEST is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.