Offshore Senior Biologist

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are looking for a full-time Senior Biologistto join our Offshore Wind Energy team.

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

The salary range for the position $97,000 to $130,000, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge and experience. Other benefits include annual training and/or conference attendance; participation in WEST’s research initiatives; involvement in community conservations opportunities; and regular wellness challenges.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Biologist specializing in marine environments to support leadership of our new consulting program tailored for the offshore wind energy sector. The ideal candidate will possess 10+ years of management-level experience with a solid background in wildlife study design and implementation, business development, and environmental consulting, particularly within the renewable energy field (offshore wind energy preferred). This role will be pivotal in guiding projects that conduct wildlife studies with a special emphasis on marine ecosystems impacted by offshore wind energy developments.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Leadership:

• Help lead development and implementation of a consulting program specifically targeting offshore wind energy, ensuring alignment with marine wildlife conservation principles.
• Drive the strategic direction of the program, integrating innovative approaches to study marine wildlife in the context of offshore wind energy development.

Project Management and Administration:

• Oversee and manage all aspects of project administration, including report preparation, proposal development, client communication, and budget management, with a focus on marine wildlife studies.
• Lead and coordinate pre-construction and post-construction wildlife studies, emphasizing marine species affected by offshore wind energy projects.

Environmental Consulting:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients in the offshore wind energy sector, as well as with federal and state regulatory agencies, to facilitate project approvals and compliance.
• Provide expert advice on marine wildlife conservation, mitigation strategies, and the impact assessment of offshore wind projects.

Team Leadership and Supervision:

• Direct and mentor a team of natural resource specialists, scientists, and biometricians, with a focus on marine environments.
• Ensure the professional development of early-career biologists and promote a culture of health and safety within field and research activities.

Business Development and Client Relations:

• Actively engage in business development activities, identifying new opportunities in the offshore wind energy market and expanding the consultancy's presence in this sector.
• Foster existing business relationships and develop new ones, showcasing the consultancy's capabilities in marine wildlife studies related to offshore wind energy.

Research and Innovation:

• Identify and pursue research opportunities that advance the understanding of marine wildlife interactions with offshore wind energy infrastructure.
• Lead the development of proposals and abstracts for innovative research projects, contributing to the body of knowledge in this rapidly evolving field.

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.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Wildlife Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field, with a focus on marine ecosystems.
• Proven track record in managing and leading environmental projects, preferably in the offshore wind energy sector.
• In-depth knowledge of marine wildlife, particularly species affected by offshore energy developments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in business development and client relationship management within the environmental consulting industry.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the renewable energy landscape by ensuring the sustainable development of offshore wind projects in harmony with marine wildlife conservation.

This position will require occasional overnight travel for client or agency meetings, conferences, team meetings, etc.

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.