Consulting Biologist – (1582)

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 more Consulting Biologists to join our Pacific Northwest Team.

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. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

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. Candidates residing in or near, or willing to relocate to, the Corvallis, Oregon office (PNW Region) are preferred; however, remote work-employees (ideally within the PNW region) will be considered.

Corvallis is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the US. Situated in the Willamette Valley, within an hour’s drive of the Oregon Coast, the Oregon Cascades, and the vibrant Portland metro area, Corvallis is an ideal location for everyone from the outdoor enthusiast to the wine connoisseur. Corvallis is also the home of Oregon State University, Oregon’s largest university which provides for an abundance of activities, from major college sports to academic and community-oriented events.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Salary: The typical annual salary range for this position is $67,000 – $105,000, plus an annual bonus and generous benefit package (e.g., 401k). Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience.
• Start Date: Start date is flexible, within reason, but may start as early as July 2024.
• Additional Details: This position will require occasional overnight travel.

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 professional experience in environmental consulting; the following skills are desired:
  • Wetland delineation, wildlife and/or botanical surveys (although field surveys are not expected to be a large component of this position).
  • 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, state routing and permitting processes for proposed wind, solar, and transmission line projects in the western US).
• Previous project management / consulting experience (5+ years), including budgeting and proposal writing, study plan development, technical report writing, client and agency communication, and professional scientific experience.
• Track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, clients, and project stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills:
  • Close attention to detail.
  • Experience with conveying information in both scientific/technical formats and for the general public.
• 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.

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.