Associate or Consulting Scientist - Wetland Specialist - (928)
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are seeking a full-time Associate or Consulting Scientist – Wetland Specialist in the Southern Plains region, US. The position will provide mentorship and growth opportunity for early-career or mid-level biologists. All WEST biologists are supported by a team of technical and non-technical staff, setting people up for success. Beyond science, we encourage and incentivize participation in conservation actions at the local and national level and have developed a company-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program.
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The minimum base salary for the Associate position is $50,000 and for the Consulting position is $65,000, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge and experience.
Job Summary:
Ideal candidates will have demonstrable experience and expertise in wetland delineations, and possess the ability to lead field teams in planning and execution of project work based on specific regional guidance. Knowledge and experience working through the Section 404 permit process, specifically Nationwide Permits is of particular interest. This position will include a mix of field and office work and will require travel and overnight stays. Additional experience may include general environmental planning and consulting, leading or working on large scale projects, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams of biologists, resource specialists, and other technical and non-technical staff.
Responsibilities include:
- Plan and lead wetland delineation project work and support Section 404 or state-level permitting;
- Manage and support tasks related to natural resource field studies (e.g., wildlife, wetlands, etc.);
- Write technical reports that meeting client and regional agency standards;
- Develop and direct multi-disciplinary teams (including internal staff and external sub consultants) in completing environmental review for small, medium and large-scale energy projects;
- Coordinate with local/state/federal agencies as necessary to develop relationships in support of permit submission and authorizations;
- Communicate with clients regarding their needs;
- Perform quality checks to ensure WEST standards and client requirements are met;
- Conduct day-to-day administration of projects;
- Market WEST’s capabilities and prepare scopes of work, budget estimates and respond to proposal requests;
- Foster current business relationships and promote new business development efforts; and
- Help maintain WEST’s position as thought leaders in the environmental consulting market.
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:
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, biological sciences, natural resources, ecology or equivalent;
- Ability to perform wetland delineation and support Section 404 permitting;
- Strong botany skills, with rare plant experience a plus;
- General knowledge of threatened and endangered species assessments, specifically to support wetland permit requirements;
- Experience in environmental consulting or project/task management specifically associated with wetland work. Experience in budgeting, and proposal writing;
- Emphasis on health and safety;
- Strong, competent writing skills;
- Understanding of the energy development process and market (renewable energy and linear project experience preferred);
- Good time management, ability to be adaptable, and ability to meet deliverable targets and deadlines; and
- Ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
WEST is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for everyone and highly recommends all prospective hires be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. While WEST does not currently require vaccinations, please be aware that WEST has a mandatory vaccination policy in place should local, state or federal law require vaccinations. Additionally, WEST has certain clients that require all personnel to be vaccinated prior to working on their projects, so individuals will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination prior to working on those projects. As an exception, employees may also request a Medical or Religious exemption from the vaccine requirement and the request must be supported by a doctor for a medical exemption or by a statement from the employee outlining a sincerely held belief to qualify for a religious exemption. Please contact us if you have any questions.
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.