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 a Consulting Biologist/Project Manager in our Golden Valley, Minnesota office. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing natural resource field work, agency coordination, and planning, siting, or permitting associated with renewable energy and transmission line projects.
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.
Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!
The minimum base salary for the Consulting Biologist position is $65,000, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience.
This position will require occasional overnight travel. Start date is flexible, within reason, but may start as early as September 18, 2023.
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 (primarily wind 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. The candidate is expected to have an initial focus on the Midwest and Mountain-Prairie regions of the U.S.
Responsibilities include:
WEST’s Consulting Biologist - Project Managers 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:
- 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.