Consulting Biologist - Project Manager

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are looking for a full-time Consulting Biologist - Project Manager to manage work in Midwest Region, ideally located in the Indianapolis/Bloomington area in Indiana.  

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 Bloomington office is located in the heart of downtown and currently has a team of over 20 full-time office based and remote regionally based staff members. The Bloomington team is composed of professionals including biologist/ecologists, restoration ecologists, bat biologists, detection dog handlers, Geographic Information System (GIS) technicians, and data management personnel. The office works on a range of projects, primarily in the wind and solar industries.  The office hosts regular events such as pitch-in lunches and happy hours and the team works to participate in local conservation efforts including bat house builds and regional bioblitzes.

Additionally, the office is frequently visited by regional senior managers. Bloomington is a mid-sized town of approximately 85,000 people and home to Indiana University. Bloomington offers an abundance of things to do, from live music and festivals to museums and weekly farmers markets. Bloomington has a wide array of restaurants, ranging from comfort food to international cuisine, and is home to a number of breweries, a winery, and a distillery. Bloomington is also in close proximity to open space with opportunities for numerous recreational activities including hiking, caving, hunting, canoeing, and cycling.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

The minimum base salary for the position is $65,000, plus an annual bonus and an above-industry-average retirement contribution (12-15% of wages with no employee contribution required). Salary may vary based on education, knowledge and experience.

Job Summary:

Ideal candidates will have experience and expertise in project management, wildlife study design, business development, and environmental consulting. Candidates will be responsible for managing projects related to 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 Midwestern U.S.  

Responsibilities include:

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

• Administration of projects:
  • Prepare reports, proposals and provide quality assurance of data,
  • Environmental consulting.
• 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.
• Project Oversight:
  • Lead and organize 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, 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 project management experience (3-5 years), including budgeting and proposal writing experience, 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.