Associate Biologist - (1434)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. WEST has an exciting, challenging, and immediate opportunity for one (or more) Associate Biologists in our Pacific Northwest Office in Corvallis, Oregon. 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 that include providing Scientifically Defensible Solutions, Technical Expertise, Quality Client Service, a Satisfying Career, a Collaborative Team Approach, and a Respectful Atmosphere, all with an eye toward Continual Improvement. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

The Corvallis office is growing and currently consists of approximately 12 full-time staff. The office hosts frequent group gatherings and outings to connect and maintain a positive and engaging work culture. Corvallis is situated in the Willamette Valley, within an hour’s drive of the beautiful Oregon coast and the Oregon Cascades, making an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast or wine connoisseur. Corvallis is also the home of Oregon State University, Oregon’s largest which provides for an abundance of activities, from major college sports to academic and community-oriented events.

The ideal candidate(s) will have a strong background in managing natural resource field work, junior staff, agency coordination, and planning, siting, or permitting associated with renewable energy and/or other infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate(s) will be based in or near the Corvallis, Oregon office (PNW Region) or Las Vegas/Boulder City, NV areas (Southwest Region). Consideration for remote work (within the PNW region) may be considered, but preference is for candidates to be near our regional hubs of Corvallis or Las Vegas/Boulder City.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

The typical salary range for this position is $52,000–$70,000, plus annual bonus, based on education, knowledge, and experience.

This position will require overnight travel. Start date is flexible, within reason, but may start as early as February 2024.

Job Description:

WEST has numerous renewable resource projects underway and is continuing to grow in existing markets and expand into new markets. WEST is seeking self-motivated candidates who are interested the following:

• Technical writing (both biological and regulatory)
• Using strong written and verbal communication skills
• Supporting field- and office-based tasks for multiple projects
• Conducting biological studies (e.g., bird surveys, bat surveys [acoustics or mist-netting], wetland delineations, and/or habitat assessments); or strong naturalist skills
• Training, leading, and supervising field personnel
• Occasionally working outdoors in various weather conditions and terrains

Ideal candidates will have experience and expertise in environmental consulting and managing the natural resource field work and technical studies for renewable energy projects. Initial focus for the successful candidate will be on the far western region of the U.S (Great Basin, Pacific Northwest, and California). Technical expertise in regional focal areas or species (e.g., forest industry, anadromous fisheries, desert tortoise, eagles, bats, wetland permitting) would be a plus.

Responsibilities include:

Our Associate Biologists work individually, as well as with a team of natural resource specialists, scientists and biometricians to:

• Coordinate biological field-related work for both pre-construction and post-construction renewable work, largely focused on avian species and bats;
• Track surveys, resources, equipment, staff, and field survey logistics and planning;
• Conduct occasional field-related work as needed and as experience allows, potentially including avian use surveys (i.e., avian point count surveys), raptor nest surveys, bat acoustic monitoring, wetland delineation, grassland or other habitat assessment, and/or species-specific surveys;
• Conduct training for field technicians on relevant field protocols;
• Organize and review field data and draft technical memos and reports;
• Assist project managers with the monitoring of project progress, data, and other materials as needed;
• Communicate ideas for improving company and project processes with a positive and constructive attitude;
• Learn to 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.

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. 

Requirements and Preferred Skills/Abilities:

The successful candidate will join WEST as a full-time regular Associate Biologist and will be a motivated self-starter who possesses:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a biological field is required;
• Experience with biological fieldwork and coordination of fieldwork, with preference for surveys associated with avian species and bats;
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and in a team-based environment;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (including verbal, written and presentation) skills;
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently;
• Excellent time management skills, work well under time constraints, and meet deliverable targets and deadlines;
• Demonstrated willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities;
• Solid working knowledge of the Microsoft Office software suite;
• Ability to complete field surveys on foot in a range of weather and ground conditions;
• Ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive criticism; and
• Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate(s) must be able to pass a background check; a pre-employment drug screen; 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 is proud to provide 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.