Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is seeking a full-time Associate Environmental Planner in the southwestern United States to support and learn from our team of project managers and subject matter experts. This will include collaboration with project teams preparing planning and permitting documents and environmental reports, evaluating impacts to resources, and coordinating project deliverables. In this position, you will work closely with project managers to navigate federal, state, and municipal regulatory requirements to support renewable energy projects.

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: The minimum base salary for the Associate-level environmental planner position is $60,000 (Base salary will be based upon education, professional certifications, and previous work experience), plus annual bonus.
• Location: Due to the location of projects, project teams, field work, and the value of learning and understanding local and state regulations, candidates in the southwestern US are strongly preferred. 

Responsibilities include:

• Work closely with project managers navigating project development, coordination, and environmental compliance.
• Participate in all aspects of project management, including assisting with proposal development, contracting, subcontractor management, staff coordination, fieldwork, and deliverables, bringing projects in on schedule and within budget.
• Collaborate with project teams to mobilize field staff and prepare environmental documents, including project plans, technical reports, permit documents.
• Prepare portions of environmental documents and assist with reviews of project team documents.
• Assist with development of project materials, graphics, concepts, and reports to clients, agencies, and community groups.
• Attend project team meetings with limited client/agency interaction and document meeting notes, correspondences, and action items.
• Track action items and deliverables, maintain schedules, and coordinate with project teams.

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

Minimum qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in environmental science, natural resource planning, or similar discipline.
• 1+ year professional experience with environmental planning and/or compliance, environmental consulting and/or related experience.

Useful skills:

• General understanding of environmental compliance.
• Willingness to take initiative and learn new skills.
• Ability to communicate mapping needs to GIS teams.
• Experience communicating with wildlife and plant biologists and wetland scientists.
• Use technical writing skills proficiently, making use of templates to create technically sound reports.
• Use MS Office Suite and communication skills.

Professional skills you will use and build upon:

• Research and interpret agency regulations, standard operating procedures, guidance, and the potential for regulatory triggers.
• Compile and analyze data associated with multi-disciplines and propose technical solutions.
• Learn, understand, and analyze project plans and designs.
• Develop project management skills.
• Communicate successfully and develop professional relationships with clients and agency staff.

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.