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Associate Biologist - (946)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices in 13 states, is looking for a fulltime experienced individual as our new Associate Biologist in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area. Since 1990, WEST has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. This unique blend of disciplines and our years of experience in both areas allow us to provide original solutions to a wide range of natural resource issues from inventory to permitting to risk assessment to basic research. WEST provides consulting services to government, industry, and other organizations.
 
Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers
 
Job Summary:
WEST has numerous projects underway and is continuing to grow and expand into the wind and solar markets and in other markets as well. WEST is seeking self-motivated candidates who possess the following:
  • Experience in technical writing (biological and/or regulatory) and managing task work for multiple projects
  • Skills and experience in biological studies such as bird identification, bat identification (acoustics or mist-netting), other species-specific surveys, wetland delineation, and/or habitat assessment.
  • Ability to efficiently coordinate with multiple staff across WEST on different projects, and effectively train, lead and supervise field personnel
 
The minimum base salary for the Associate position is $50,000, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge and experience.
 
Responsibilities Include:
 
Our Associate Biologists work individually, as well as with a team of natural resource specialists, scientists and biometricians to:
  • Draft technical memos and reports
  • 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
  • Project tracking
  • Coordinate field-related work for both Pre-construction and Post-construction renewable work
  • Conduct 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 set up and maintenance, wetland delineation, grassland or other habitat assessment, and/or species-specific surveys
 
This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties that may be associated with this position.

Requirements:
The Biologist we are seeking has a great opportunity to help WEST take the next step in our growth as a full service environmental consulting firm. The successful candidate must be a self-starter who possesses:
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Ecology or an equivalent degree. Preference will be given to Candidates with 2+ years of previous consulting experience or a Master’s degree.
  • Previous experience on biological field studies and/or prior experience supporting the development of state or federal permitting materials.
  • Proven technical writing, communication, and task management/coordination skills.
  • Skilled use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment
  • Must be able to work within a team atmosphere and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, office staff, clients, landowners, and field technicians.
  • Must be equipped with and provide own suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.), and clothing suitable for biological field work.
  • Must follow WEST safety protocols and train field staff on said protocols.
  • Ability to effectively supervise others on tasks and/or field work
  • Demonstrable ability to coordinate logistics and priorities for multiple projects, technician coordination, communication with multiple internal project teams and task scheduling
  • Excellent time management, task management and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines
  • Ability and willingness to travel
 
WEST is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for everyone and highly recommends all prospective hires be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. While WEST does not currently require vaccinations, please be aware that WEST has a mandatory vaccination policy in place should local, state or federal law require vaccinations. Additionally, WEST has certain clients that require all personnel to be vaccinated prior to working on their projects, so individuals will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination prior to working on those projects. As an exception, employees may also request a Medical or Religious exemption from the vaccine requirement and the request must be supported by a doctor for a medical exemption or by a statement from the employee outlining a sincerely held belief to qualify for a religious exemption. Please contact us if you have any questions.
 
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.