Senior Biologist – ESA Compliance Specialist – (1396)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. 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 has an exciting, challenging and immediate opportunity for a Senior Biologist with expertise in Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance and study of threatened and endangered species. Preference will be given to applicants that have demonstrated knowledge of ESA compliance and ability to coordinate with and advise clients and agency personnel regarding Section 7 and/or Section 10 permitting processes.  Past experience studying federally and/or state protected species (particularly wildlife species) is also helpful, as is previous experience with other federal laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act. Join WEST’s collaborative team of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data and help us achieve our mission to provide outstanding professional consulting services and original solutions to a wide range of natural resources challenges.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

The minimum base salary for the Senior Biologist position is $100,000, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience.

Start date is flexible, within reason, but may start as early as January 12, 2024.

Job Description:

WEST has numerous projects underway and continues to grow and expand into both the wind and solar market, as well as other markets. Ideal candidates will have experience in managing ESA-related (particularly Section 7 and Section 10 processes) compliance efforts, wildlife biology, technical writing, and environmental consulting. Our Senior Biologist-ESA Compliance Specialist will work with a team of natural resource specialists, scientists, and biometricians to:

• Conduct the following Management/Mentorship tasks:
  • Work with and manage project teams, deliverables and budgets for multiple ESA-compliance-related projects/assessments.
  • Manage the development of Habitat Conservation Plans, Biological Assessments, white papers, and other technical documents in support of endangered species permitting or other decision-making.
  • Coordinate with local/state/federal agencies (particularly USFWS), tribes, and the public in support of client-directed project work.
  • Be the primary point of contact for clients.
  • Prepare proposals, conservation plans, reports, and permit applications.
  • Maintain project schedules
  • Guide/mentor staff in ESA-compliance projects, and preparation of various conservation plans and Section 7 and Section 10 documents
  • Provide quality control and/or quality assurance reviews of various reports/plans
• Foster current business relationships and promote new business development efforts.
• Promote WEST through high-quality work products and professional conduct.

This position will require occasional overnight travel. 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. 

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 Senior Biologist, depending on experience and skillset, and will be a motivated self-starter who possesses:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree. Preference will be given to candidates with a master’s degree or PhD.
• Previous experience (15+ years for Senior Biologist), with at least 5 years of project management experience, including budgeting and proposal writing experience, consulting work, and professional scientific experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing ESA compliance and Section 7 and Section 10 permitting processes, particularly for energy projects.
• A track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, clients, stakeholders, and agency personnel.
• Strong, competent analytical and writing skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail and accurately report results of project investigations and scientific studies, while considering big-picture implications and context.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Good time management, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel as this position will sometimes require overnight travel to attend project-related meetings with clients, federal and state agencies, and/or site-specific investigations and studies.
• 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 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.