Associate Biologist - Environmental Scientist/Wetland Specialist - (1007)
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 Biologist -Environmental Scientist/Wetland Specialist in the Midwest or Western U.S. 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 new team members up for success. Beyond science, we encourage and support participation in conservation actions at the local and national level and have developed a company-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program. We are seeking a qualified Environmental Scientist/Wetland Specialist to help WEST take the next step in our growth as a full service environmental consulting firm.
Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!
The minimum base salary for the Associate position is $50,000, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge and experience.
Job Summary:
WEST has numerous projects underway and is continuing to grow and expand into the solar and transmission line markets and other markets as well. 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. Additional experience in the Section 404 permit process (specifically Nationwide Permits), 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 is of particular interest. This position will include a mix of field and office work and will require travel and overnight stays.
Responsibilities Include:
- Plan and lead wetland delineation project work and support Section 404 or state-level permitting;
- Manage and support tasks related to desktop studies, habitat assessments, and biological field surveys,
- Support development of local, state and federal permitting documents and regulatory compliance strategies, particularly those related to Endangered Species Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and National Environmental Policy Act,
- Draft technical memos and reports,
- Project scheduling, organization, and tracking.
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 will join WEST as a full-time regular Environmental Scientist/Wetland Specialist and will be a motivated self-starter who possesses:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental planning, biological sciences, natural resources, ecology or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates with 1-2 years of previous consulting experience or a Master’s degree.
- Ability to perform wetland delineation and support Section 404 permitting (linear and renewable energy project experience preferred).
- General knowledge of threatened and endangered species assessments, specifically general habitat assessments for these species.
- Experience in environmental consulting or project/task management, specifically associated with wetland and other biological or environmental planning work.
- Proven technical writing, communication, and task management/coordination skills.
- Skilled use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment.
- Must be able to work within a team atmosphere and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, office staff, clients, landowners, and field technicians.
- Must follow WEST safety protocols and train field staff for any wetland work where Biologist is leading a team on said protocols.
- Excellent time management, task management and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
- Ability and willingness to travel.
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.