Consulting Biologist – Project Manager – (1560)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size environmental consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are looking for a full-time Consulting Biologist/Wildlife Biologist/Ecologist – Project Manager to manage work in the eastern US (southeastern, mid-Atlantic, and northeastern US). WEST has an office located in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania and is supported by regionally located Project Managers in the southeastern and northeastern US.

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.

WEST’s Camp Hill office is located just outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that is a short drive from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington D.C and currently has a team of over a dozen full-time office based and remote regionally based staff members. The WEST eastern team is composed of professionals including biologist/wildlife biologists/ecologists, bat biologists, wetland ecologists, permitting specialists, avian ecologists, Geographic Information System (GIS) technicians, and data management personnel. The office works on a range of natural resource projects, primarily supporting the development, operation, and permitting of industrial wind and solar energy generation as well as other projects including research-based opportunities, linear projects (e.g., transmission and pipelines), and other projects with natural resource challenges.  

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Salary: The base salary for the position is $66,000 – $100,000 (Base salary will be based upon education, professional certifications, and previous work experience), plus annual bonus, employer and employee contributed 401 (k) retirement plan, potential to become a shareholder within WEST, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans for employees and their families.

Job Summary:

Ideal candidates will have experience and expertise in wildlife biology/management, ecology, natural resource management, or a related environmental discipline, previous project management experience that focuses on client and agency interactions to meet study objectives or meeting state/federal guidelines or recommendations such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (WEG), Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (ECPG), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA) or similar state/federal agency guidance documents, wildlife study design, business development, and environmental consulting. Candidates will be responsible for managing projects related to natural resources and managing wildlife surveys for various industries, including renewable energy, transmission lines, pipelines, transportation, oil and gas, Department of Defense, and other industries or service areas where appropriate.  The candidate will have an initial focus on the eastern US but work may expand into other areas of the US or internationally based upon interest and expertise.   

Responsibilities include:

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

• Natural Resource Project Oversight:
  • Lead and organize projects focused on assisting clients with natural resource challenges during project development or operation,
  • federal and/or state-level permitting support for renewable energy projects, linear projects, and other variable development projects,
  • Manage pre- and post-construction field studies for energy and other development projects.
• Coordinate with local/state/federal agencies.
• Administration of projects:
  • Prepare reports, proposals and provide quality assurance of data,
  • Environmental consulting focused on assisting clients with wildlife or natural resource issues related to project development or operation.
• Oversee projects including leading and organizing:
  • Pre-construction, post-construction mortality monitoring; renewable energy projects; linear projects and other variable development projects; wildlife field design and setup field studies, tribes, and the public in support of client-directed project work.
• Supervision/Mentorship:
  • Manage project teams, deliverables and budgets for multiple projects,
  • Train and manage field coordinators and technicians,
  • Supervise and direct field studies and staff.
• Promote health and safety.
• Market WEST’s capabilities.
• Foster current business relationships and promote new business development efforts.
• This position will require overnight travel.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of 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 natural resource/wildlife project management experience (3-5+ years), including budgeting and proposal writing experience, environmental consulting work, and professional scientific experience in support of energy project development.
• Previous professional experience in the following are desired:
  • Avian and/or bat ecology are the target areas of technical expertise sought, or experience with other natural resources of interest to commercial clients will also be considered (e.g., aquatic species, wetlands/rare plants, insects, vegetation management, etc.),
  • Experience with interpretation of statistical analyses.
• Knowledge and understanding of the WEGs, ECPG, MBTA, and ESA.
• Track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, clients, agency personnel, and stakeholders.
• Strong, competent writing 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.