Avian Biologist/Survey Technician (On-Call)

Status : On-Call (hired on an "as needed basis" or to temporarily supplement the team and/or assist in the completion of a specific project)

Location: Various locations throughout the Midwest, Northern & Southern Great Plains.

Job Summary: Support Natural Resources-based projects specializing in field ornithology, advanced bird identification, particularly of birds in flight, standard avian survey methods, and environmental monitoring. Assist with wetland, threatened and endangered species issues, and state and federal environmental permitting. Implement post-construction avian and bat mortality monitoring, including fatality searches and bias correction trials while adhering to standardized protocols and keeping detailed data sheets. This work requires regular, frequent overnight travel throughout the United States and working long hours outside of the normal workday. Schedule will be variable, and hours worked could range from 30 to 60 hours during each survey week. The selected candidate conducts survey work year-round across all seasons.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Knowledge of thorough bird identification and documentation of rare or conservation concern species
• Work independently in the field with limited immediate oversight
• Conduct avian survey tasks while maintaining aggressive project schedules
• Conduct bird nest searches and nest monitoring for raptors and ground-nesting species
• Conduct threatened and endangered species habitat assessments, site investigations, ecological surveys and habitat delineations
• Interpret data collected in the field and convey pertinent data to project management in a timely manner
• Stay current with applicable state and federal regulations related to wildlife conservation
• Perform office-based data and photo management tasks and prepare written memo or report content for inclusion in internal communication or external deliverables to clients.
• Opportunity to prepare data analyses, graphics, written reports/documentation and presentations.
• Assist with design and management of bat studies including acoustic and mist net surveys.
• Assist project managers and team leads with ensuring project deadlines are met.
• Keep deliverable schedules and adhere to budgets
• Conduct post-construction avian and bat mortality surveys at multiple wind facilities in multiple states (KS, OK, TX)
• Identify and cataloging of species
• Foster an environment emphasizing that safety awareness and the safe performance of our work are paramount for all employees
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 1-3 years of experience in conducting field ornithology surveys, and other wildlife surveys.
• Experience conducting a wide range of flora and fauna surveys, habitat assessments, and wetland delineation and determinations.
• Renewal energy experience preferred.
• USFWS Threatened and Endangered Species permit-holder preferred.
• Wildlife identification, threatened & endangered species survey/permitting, and wetland delineation/permitting desired.
• Previous environmental construction support job experience preferred
  
  

Job Requirements

• Maintain a valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Travel out of town and overnight to multiple states in the Midwest, West, and Southeast working in varying outdoor weather conditions, that may include extreme temperatures and possibly working in and around water
• Work long hours (~30-60 hours) during each survey week along with a variable schedule
• Strong technical knowledge base in environmental oversight, wetlands, and wildlife
• Strong environmental permitting experience (401/404 permitting)
• Technical report writing
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Exceptional verbal, interpersonal communication skills, and expertise regarding construction oversight
• Able to travel extensively (80-90% of job) to conduct fieldwork
  
  

Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. (ECT) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and other lawful criteria. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.