Consulting Biologist – Project Manager – (1517)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada.  We are looking for a full-time Consulting Biologist – Project Manager to join our Houston/Sugar Land, Texas 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 Texas office is located just minutes from Sugar Land, Texas and less than 30 minutes from Houston along Highway 69 with access to a range of food and service options, and has free surface parking. The office is growing and currently consists of five full-time staff. The office hosts frequent group gatherings and outings to connect and maintain a positive and engaging work culture. 

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

The salary range for the position $66,000 – $100,000, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience. Other benefits include annual training and/or conference attendance; participation in WEST’s research initiatives; involvement in community conservations opportunities; and regular wellness challenges.

Job Summary:

Ideal candidates will have 2 – 10 years of management level experience and expertise in wildlife study design, business development, and environmental consulting. Candidates will be responsible for managing projects related to wildlife surveys for various industries, specifically renewable energy (wind and solar). 

Responsibilities include:

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

• Administration of projects:
  • Lead report preparation, proposals development, client communication, and budget tracking.
• Environmental consulting:
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with clients, federal and state agencies, and teaming partners.
  • Providing technical expertise and team-oriented approaches to projects.
• Oversee projects including leading and organizing:
  • Pre-/post-construction bird and bat (or other species) studies.
  • Conservation and mitigation strategy planning and document preparation.
  • Client and agency meetings.
  • Identification of research opportunities and abstract/proposal development.
• Supervision:
  • Manage project teams, deliverables, and budgets for multiple projects.
  • Mentor early career biologists.
  • Supervise and direct field studies and staff, including delegation.
• Promote health and safety.
• Market WEST’s capabilities:
  • Foster current business relationships and promote new business development efforts.
• This position will require occasional overnight travel.

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

Requirements:

The successful candidate must be a 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 with the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Avian and/or bat ecology are the target areas of technical expertise sought, but experience in wetland/waters delineation, plant identification, threatened and endangered species (and other special status species) or other areas of ecology will also be considered; and
  • Experience with interpretation of statistical analysis.
• Previous project management experience (2-10 years for Consulting Biologist), including budgeting and proposal writing experience, consulting work, and professional scientific experience.
• Track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, clients, or stakeholders.
• Strong, competent writing and oral communication skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail and accurately report the scientific methods and results of field studies.
• Wildlife biology technical knowledge and knowledge of regional wildlife.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre- employment background check, drug screening, 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 provides 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.