Biologist

Overview

NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting solutions for the built environment. We specialize in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support infrastructure resilience and building systems performance throughout the entire asset lifecycle. We resolve complex regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance challenges on behalf of our clients to protect people, property, and natural resources. Nearly every project carries an environmental footprint that necessitates regulatory permit compliance.

At NV5, we collaborate closely with clients to identify focused and effective regulatory strategies to achieve project objectives. Our goal is to highlight the environmental constraints, schedule consequences, and cost implications associated with project implementation. NV5 provides expert assistance with regulatory compliance matters, which can often be complicated and time-consuming. We deliver solutions to the most challenging regulatory compliance processes. 

We are seeking a Biologist/Environmental Specialist for a 2-3 month contract on a utilities project, with possible full-time employment should conditions allow. Candidates must live in Oregon or Washington.  

Responsibilities

You will provide mid-level specialized technical and management support for field surveys, environmental reporting, and regulatory documentation across a broad range of environmental disciplines, including biology, wetlands, hydrology, geology, archaeology/cultural resources, air quality, noise, hazardous materials, and other areas as needed. Organize and implement field strategies, protocols, and survey methodologies for biological resources and jurisdictional delineation (JD) surveys, ensuring adherence to applicable agency guidelines and scientifically defensible methods.

• Conduct and/or oversee species-specific or protocol surveys, habitat assessments, and impact analyses, with emphasis on special-status species and sensitive habitats.
• Organize and implement field strategies, protocols, and survey methodologies for biological resources and jurisdictional delineation (JD) surveys, ensuring adherence to applicable agency guidelines and scientifically defensible methods. Conduct and/or oversee species-specific or protocol surveys, habitat assessments, and impact analyses, with emphasis on special-status species and sensitive habitats.
• Apply working knowledge of key environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act, SEPA, NEPA, OESA, WESA, and Habitat Conservation Programs. Maintain up-to-date working knowledge of relevant environmental regulations, including NEPA, SEPA, federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Support coordination with agencies such as USFWS, NMFS, WDFW, ODFW, and USACE, as well as client and internal team collaboration.
• Demonstrate subject-matter expertise in target species such as Greater Sage-Grouse, northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, Olympia pocket gophers, Columbian White-tailed deer, Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit, raptor species, bats, reptilian and herpetological species, and other regionally important taxa.
• Author and assist in the preparation of technical reports, regulatory permit applications, and impact analyses. Lead QA/QC processes for field data collection, reports, and deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including senior scientists, planners, and regulatory specialists. Supervise and mentor junior staff in both field and office settings; support the development of technical skills and knowledge transfer.
• Author and assist in the preparation of technical reports, regulatory permit applications, and impact analyses.
• Lead QA/QC processes for field data collection, reports, and deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including senior scientists, planners, and regulatory specialists.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff in both field and office settings; support the development of technical skills and knowledge transfer.

Qualifications

• 3- 5 years of working experience as a biologist or environmental scientist within the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington state).
• Travel to project sites as needed – must be comfortable working in diverse terrain and weather conditions. Typical roles: biologist, archaeologist, geology, planner, field surveyor, construction monitor, GIS/data analyst.
• Utilities industry background is required or desired.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Natural Resources, Biology, Archaeology, Geology, Ecology, or a related field.

The pay range for this position in Washington/Oregon is $43.00 to $61.00 per hr. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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Salary : $43 - $61