Biologist jobs in Portland, OR

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Tetra Tech’s commitment to hiring the best talent in the industry and helping them thrive professionally is stronger than ever. We are currently seeking a Biologist for our Portland, OR office location. This practice includes wind, solar, and fossil fuel power generation; electric transmission lines, substations, and battery storage; and natural gas transmission pipelines, compressor stations, and other related facilities.

The primary project focus for this position is evaluating wildlife issues related to wind and solar energy projects. Experience with avian ecology, bat ecology, risk assessments, and associated permitting issues is desired. The position would involve a combination of writing, task management, and field work. We are particularly interested in candidates who have field experience with avian surveys, bat acoustic surveys, and botanical surveys associated with energy projects. This position requires strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, a high level of interpersonal communication skills, organizational and time management skills; attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Complete wildlife surveys and habitat evaluations.

• Analyze potential impacts of a variety of projects (esp. wind and solar energy projects) on biological resources.

• Support senior biologists with client-agency communications.

• Develop proposals for biological-related tasks (preparing scopes, schedules, budgets), and

• Manage biology tasks (coordinating field logistics, overseeing quality).

• Support due diligence and permitting efforts and prepare field survey reports and support preparation of mitigation and monitoring plans, eagle conservation plans (ECPs), bird and bat conservation plans (BBCSs), habitat conservation plans (HCPs), NEPA documents (EIS/EAs), and other documents required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Requirements:

• Masters or Bachelor’s degree in applicable field (graduate degree preferred), such as biological science, wildlife ecology, environmental science, or natural resources management.

• 5 years of professional experience related to wildlife species/habitats and ecological assessment.; minimum of 3 years of direct experience in wildlife field surveys; task management experience desirable.

• Field experience with wildlife species and habitats in the Northwest, California, or Hawaii ecosystems is essential.

• Applied knowledge of ecological assessment, environmental impact analysis, environmental due diligence studies, natural/biological resources management, and habitat conservation planning.

• Experience with GPS equipment and ArcGIS or similar mapping program is preferred.

• Technical proficiency and demonstrated experience in the following areas are essential:

o identifying wildlife and conducting surveys (esp. birds and bats)

o classifying and inventorying vegetation communities (upland, riparian, and wetlands) and habitat.

o researching and monitoring of wildlife species-habitat ecology.

o statistical modeling preferred; and

o synthesizing and interpreting biological information and preparing technical reports

• Preference given to candidates with strong statistical/modeling experience and project/task management experience.

• Prior experience with aerial raptor nest surveys is preferred.

• Demonstrable technical writing/editing ability commitment to quality in both work processes and products, and willingness to assume new roles are critical.

• Prior experience in private sector or ecological consulting business is desirable.

• A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.