Senior Biologist - Project Manager

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are a team of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals focused on applied ecological studies, sophisticated analysis of natural resource data, and impact assessment and permitting. Since our founding in 1990, WEST has shaped our work through core values that matter to our clients, communities, and the environment.

Location: This position can be remote for the right candidate (southwest, northwest, or Rocky Mountain regions in the U.S. are preferred, with additional options in the Midwest); however, preference will be given to those willing to relocate to a WEST office. Start Date: Flexible.

About the Role

This role is designed for growth within WEST's Power Delivery group. The selected candidate will lead large-scale transmission line projects and other linear facilities projects, managing teams of permitting specialists, wildlife/wetland specialists, and other environmental specialists through pre-construction surveys, agency coordination, and permitting. The position includes mentoring deputy project managers and providing senior advisement. While the focus is on transmission line projects, the role may also support other linear facilities, renewable energy, or development projects based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Complete and direct project management tasks related to linear project siting evaluation, environmental planning, or environmental reviews (e.g., federal/state/local site permitting, wetland/water resource permitting, environmental site assessments).
• Coordinate and manage natural resource field studies (e.g., wildlife, wetlands).
• Direct multi-disciplinary teams (internal staff and external subconsultants) in completing environmental reviews 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, implement scientific consulting solutions, and maintain complex project schedules.
• Navigate the regulatory landscape and provide clients with innovative solutions.
• Review reports, applying expertise to present and interpret the results of field and desktop studies in their scientific and regulatory context.
• Ensure team alignment on field data management and GIS data processes to meet WEST standards and client requirements.
• Market WEST's capabilities, respond to proposal requests, and provide oversight in developing scopes of work and budget estimates.
• Foster current business relationships and promote new business development efforts.
• Help maintain WEST's position as thought leaders in the environmental consulting market.
• Manage project teams, deliverables, schedules, and budgets for multiple projects.
• Mentor deputy project managers.
• Occasional overnight travel is required.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in environmental planning, biological sciences, natural resources, ecology, or equivalent (GIS background is a plus). Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of directly relevant experience in environmental consulting and project management, including leadership of large and complex projects.
• Strong understanding of environmental permitting and experience communicating with clients and agency staff regarding regulations at the local, state, and federal level (e.g., Clean Water Act Section 404/10 permitting, NEPA, NPDES permitting, ESA compliance, BGEPA permitting, zoning/land development permitting).
• Preferred background in natural resource science (wildlife biology, wetland delineation, plant identification, restoration science, or other areas of ecology relevant to commercial clients).
• Extensive experience in budget estimation for large projects and proposal writing.
• Understanding of the linear facility development process.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large and diverse teams, natural resource field studies, data collection, GIS processes, and personnel with varying expertise.
• Excellent writing skills with attention to detail and accuracy in reporting scientific methods and results, including GIS data management.
• Experience in business development, marketing, and maintaining positive relationships with clients or stakeholders.
• Desire to drive and grow the Power Delivery team.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Good time management, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to work under time constraints and changing circumstances.
• Ability to follow instructions, accept guidance, and adapt to tight deadlines.
• Focus on high-quality deliverables and client service while maintaining a collaborative team approach.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and DMV records check meeting WEST’s criteria.

Pay

$100,000 - $160,000 annually, dependent on experience, plus robust bonus structure and above-industry 401k matching.