Associate Biodiversity Specialist

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic, medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies, as well as sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. We are looking for a full-time Associate Biodiversity Specialist .

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.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Salary: $52,000 - $73,000, plus an annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience.
• Location: Location in the western region of the United States, is preferred (see Careers at WEST: Join Our Team of Experts in Environmental Consulting).

Job Description

The successful candidate will be an independent, self-motivated individual with relevant experience and knowledge in biodiversity standards, implementation strategies and reporting, plant community condition assessments and mapping, and sustainable habitat improvement measures utilizing nature-based solutions contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem services net positive outcomes. The successful candidate will be part of a team responsible for supporting our Biodiversity Enhancement and Ecosystem Services program. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in the field in various weather conditions and terrains and have a passion for the outdoors. This role has an emphasis on nature-based solutions to improve habitat conditions at renewable energy projects in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon) and Western/Southwestern regions of the United States (Idaho, California, and Nevada), with additional projects in, but not limited to, the Rocky Mountain (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana) region.

Responsibilities:

• Support collaborative and multidisciplinary team including WEST's Project Managers (PM) and Restoration Ecologists in biodiversity studies, analysis and reporting as related to assigned projects during a project's planning, construction, and operation phases.
• Conduct ecological restoration-related fieldwork, including evaluating ecosystem services and nature-based solutions, natural vegetation community and noxious weed mapping, natural resource assessments, and soil sampling.
• Draft technical memos and reports, and other project support materials as needed.
• Communicate effectively regarding the scope and schedule of work performed.
• Assist PMs with the monitoring of project schedules, progress, and other tasks as needed.
• Assist the broader WEST services group with desktop- and field-based habitat (biological and water resources) site assessments, wetland delineations, rare plant surveys, and/or wildlife surveys (based on interest and qualifications).
• Work with distributed teams in multiple locations throughout the United States and Canada using company tools for teleconferencing and videoconferencing. Will be expected to organize conference calls with project team members, track action items and notes, and facilitate resolution and follow up actions as needed within the project team.
• Help maintain WEST's position as thought leaders in the energy-environmental consultingmarket by applying innovative solutions through applied science.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties thatmay be associated with this position.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in biodiversity conservation and management, restoration ecology, environmental science, ecology, or related field of study.
• Previous consulting experience in environmental fields focusing on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Relevant experience and knowledge on habitat condition assessments and biodiversity offset design is desirable.
• Experience with biodiversity data acquisition tools and database management.
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other project management tools.
• Strong technical skills and experience working with spreadsheets and scientific data.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail and accurately reportscientific methods and results of desktop reviews and field studies.
• GIS and field data collection, entering, and organizing field data experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with a multidisciplinary team of project managers and other project staff, technical specialists, clients, landowners, and agency personnel.
• Strong time management, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints, multitask, and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
• Experience working in the solar industry with an emphasis on solar vegetation managementplanning is preferred but not required.
• Occasional travel and overnight stays will be required. Out-of-town travel typically three to five days per trip.

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.