Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are seeking a full-time regular Consulting Biologist – Linear Project Specialist in our Golden Valley, Minnesota, office.

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 key values and core principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

The Golden Valley office is located just minutes west of downtown Minneapolis in the heart of a commercial district along Highway 55 with access to a range of food and service options. The office is situated on a regional bike trail, has access to Metro Transit bus routes, and has free surface parking. The office is growing and currently consists of over 20 fulltime staff. The office hosts frequent group gatherings and outings to connect and maintain a positive and engaging work culture. 

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Compensation: The minimum base salary for this position is $73,000, plus an annual bonus. Salary with this position may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience, and with applicable experience the salary may extend into the high $90,000 range, plus an annual bonus.  In addition, WEST offers a very generous 401k package and annual profit-sharing bonus.

Job Summary:
Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in a natural resources discipline and 5 to 10 years of experience in environmental consulting as project manager or deputy project manager for linear infrastructure projects. The job will involve managing and leading linear electrical transmission line and/or pipeline projects, and assembling and managing large teams of permitting specialists, wildlife/wetland specialists, and other environmental specialists through pre-construction surveys, agency coordination, and permitting. The ability to develop wildlife or other natural resource study design and be responsible for managing environmental projects, including leading and organizing pre- or post-construction field surveys for transmission line and pipeline projects, and renewable energy, or other types of development projects may be required. 

Responsibilities include:

• Complete and direct various project management and support tasks related to linear project siting evaluation, environmental planning, or environmental reviews (e.g., federal/state/local site permitting and environmental reviews, wetland and/or water resource permitting, Environmental Site Assessments, etc.),
• Coordinate and manage natural resource field studies (e.g., wildlife, wetlands, etc.).
• Direct multi-disciplinary teams (including internal staff and external sub consultants) in completing environmental review for small, medium, and large-scale linear projects.
• Coordinate with local/state/federal agencies, tribes, and the public in support of client-directed project work.
• Collaborate closely with clients to support real-time requests and help clients implement scientific consulting solutions.
• Write and review reports, applying scientific expertise to present and interpret the results of field and desktop studies in their scientific and regulatory context.
• Oversee field data management and GIS data processes to ensure WEST standards and client requirements are met through our deliverables.
• 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.
• 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 all the duties that may be associated.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, biological sciences, natural resources, ecology or equivalent, and/or GIS.
• Five to ten (5-10 years; Consulting Biologist) years of experience in environmental consulting and project management. Experience in budgeting and proposal writing.
• Understanding of the linear facility development process (transmission line/pipeline project experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage natural resource field studies, data collection and GIS processes, and personnel with varying range of experience and expertise. 
• Excellent, competent writing skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail and accurately report the scientific methods and results of field studies, including GIS data management.
• Strong understanding of environmental permitting and planning regulations at the local, state, and federal level (e.g., Clean Water Act Section 404/10 permitting, NPDES permitting, ESA compliance, zoning/land development permitting, etc.). This regulatory understanding would also come a preferred background in natural resource science (including wildlife biology, wetland delineation, plant identification, restoration science, or other areas of ecology potentially of interest to commercial clients).
• Demonstrated experience in business development and consulting work, professional scientific experience, and a track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, clients, or stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Good time management, project management and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints, changing circumstances, and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive criticism.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre- employment background check, drug screening, and 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.