Biologist and Permitting Specialist

ESA seeks a highly motivated BiologistandPermitting Specialistto join the Portland office of ourPacific Northwest Biological Resources and Land Management team. Our ideal candidate has8+ years of experience, but candidates with 5+ years of experience who meet the qualifications will also be considered.

We are interested in proactive candidates who have strong experience in one or more of the following: wetlands, botany, fisheries biology, wildlife ecology, habitat restoration ecology, and water quality sampling and analysis coupled with experience preparing applications for local, state, and federal permits. This is a mid-level opportunity focused on collaboration, quality, outstanding client service, and being part of a team with a passion to do great work and have fun together.

Who You Are

• A Scientist and Permitting Specialist with at least 5 years of experience collecting, analyzing, and writing up a variety of ecological data to inform projects and the environmental documentation needed for permitting. You have experience developing and leading studies in one or more of the biological disciplines ESA projects require, including wetlands, botany, fisheries biology, wildlife ecology, habitat restoration ecology, and water quality sampling and analysis. Certifications and training in one or more of these disciplines are a plus.
• You have served as the primary or contributing author on a variety of environmental documents such as wetland delineation reports, critical area reports, habitat mitigation plans, strategic plans for watershed management, biological assessments for Endangered Species Act consultation, fish passage barrier assessments, and permit applications. You have excellent writing and communication skills. You are known for preparing documents that are clear, concise, well-written and supported.
• You have project management or task management experience. You have experience drafting scopes of work for Senior level review on small to complex projects, including identifying necessary tasks, preparing task descriptions, and estimating the associated level of effort.
• You hold a bachelor's and/or master's degree in biology or a related environmental or ecological field. You perform field survey work, safely operate, load, and transport equipment and gear, and cross fences, creeks, and other obstacles. Experience with digital field data collection tools such as GPS, ArcGIS Collector/Field Maps, Fulcrum, Survey 123 is desired, but not required.
• You work collaboratively with clients and interdisciplinary teams to deliver high quality work products. You are an effective team member and communicator who contributes constructively and cooperatively to solve project and team challenges.
• You are able to work primarily in our ESAPortland office with some days working remotely if you choose.

What You Will Do for ESA

• As a Biologist and Permitting Specialist, you will apply your technical skills and permitting knowledge to natural resources projects. You will serve as a technical specialist, participating in environmental analyses and coordinating with key team members, including senior and junior staff, subconsultants, and clients. Lead or support the preparation and implementation of biological field studies. Depending on the biological disciplines you are experienced in, this will be field studies such as wetland delineations, vegetation classification and habitat mapping, stream habitat assessment, fish passage barrier assessment, nesting bird surveys, endangered species occurrence, and water quality sampling. You will produce technical work and written products that are clear, concise, and well supported.
• You will demonstrate a clear understanding of project management principles and practices and be responsible for leading large, multi-year, multi-disciplinary development projects. In this capacity you will be responsible for preparing and managing scope, schedule, and budget, working closely with project teams to navigate permitting challenges and meeting client needs. You will also take the initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are met effectively, lead and advise on all aspects of project implementation, including the development of permitting strategies, provide QA/QC of work processes and deliverables, and lead teams completing technical studies that support permitting efforts. Use judgment and critical thinking to select, apply and adapt standard techniques, methods and procedures for a wide range of biological studies.
• You will serve as a contributing or primary author of environmental documents including technical memoranda, biological assessments/habitat evaluations, scientific discipline reports, habitat mitigation plans, and impact evaluations to support resource-related permit applications, including in support of Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
• You will serve as a Project Manager, Deputy Project Manager, or Task Lead depending on complexity of project. You will demonstrate a clear understanding of project management principles and practices, including managing your work to the scope, budget, and schedule. You will proactively and constructively communicate with client, teaming partners, and/or Project Manager to successfully navigate project or scope challenges that may arise.
• You thrive in a fast-paced, exciting, and challenging environment and be able to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines, while working on a team or independently.
• You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 50 pounds. You are confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground and sometimes steep terrain in forested environments, fields, arid lands, along stream banks, and in coastal/intertidal areas. You may be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions. Some night and/or weekend work may be required.
• Driving needs: You possess a valid driver's license.

What's Special About Our Biological Resources & Land Managment Team

Our team includes Wetland Biologists, Fisheries Biologists, Wildlife Ecologists, Environmental Scientists, Conservation/Climate Planning Specialists, and Permitting Specialists who provide expertise for many agencies in Washington, Oregon and across the Northwest. Our work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross disciplinary engagement and integration.

What's Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.