Hydro Compliance Professional Fisheries Biologist

About the role

This position ensures compliance with FERC license and other regulatory requirements related to fisheries and associated resource management issues at NorthWestern Energy's hydroelectric projects. It also supports wildlife, water quality, and recreation programs as they relate to fisheries.

Responsibilities

• Conducts compliance activities safely and directs contractors to adhere to applicable safety requirements.
• Manages License compliance programs including fishery population monitoring and movement, wildlife, genetic studies, and protection and recovery of threatened and endangered species.
• Affords technical review of fisheries and wildlife studies, consultant reports, research reports, and professional journal publications required by or arising out of NorthWestern Energy's hydro licenses.
• Provides technical assistance for FERC license amendments and FERC relicensing process.
• Supervises contractors and consultants to implement compliance activities and studies and to ensure adherence to company safety and environmental policies.
• Tracks and provides expertise to NWE management on emerging issues related to fisheries.
• Collaborates with operations on reservoir and flow management of the Missouri River (Fisheries Biologist only).
• Develops formal plans and implements hydro compliance activities required by FERC license and related state and federal permits with minimal guidance.
• Oversees and implements studies, sampling and analysis and reporting required to comply with FERC license, state, and federal requirements and permits.
• Supports and utilizes NWE's environmental management system.
• Facilitates Technical Advisory Committees (TAC) which direct the activities of the Protection, Mitigation, and Enhancement (P, M, &E) programs.
• Interfaces with state and federal agencies, tribes, private interests, conservation groups, and public to effectively implement NorthWestern Energy license compliance activities.
• Prepares and submits compliance reports to meet regulatory, permit, and license requirements.
• Prepares and manages annual and project budgets and contracts.
• Works as an effective member of a remote team and with significant travel between office, professional meetings with stakeholders and compliance projects across NorthWestern Energy's hydro system.
• Supports NorthWestern Energy hydro construction projects or operational plans by overseeing or implementing required monitoring programs and ensure compliance with state reporting requirements.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.

Requirements

The ideal candidate must have a master's degree in biological science (fisheries preferred) or equivalent years of experience. Experience with FERC requirements at hydroelectric projects is preferred, along with knowledge of hydropower operations and their effect on regulated river systems.

Skills

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management programs and reporting tools.
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.
• Experience trailering and operating boats preferred.
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost).

Benefits

NorthWestern Energy offers great benefits including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial health)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Pay

$76,400 to $129,000 per year

Schedule

Regular Full-time