Endangered Species Ecologist - Portland, OR

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an experienced Endangered Species Ecologist to support renewable energy, infrastructure, and environmental permitting projects throughout North America.

This role will provide strategic technical support for projects involving renewable energy (wind, solar, battery storage), transmission and pipeline infrastructure, and other development projects requiring environmental review and permitting. The successful candidate will support biological assessments, permitting strategies, regulatory coordination, and environmental compliance efforts associated with federal and state environmental regulations.

This position may be performed remotely, with affiliation to our Portland, Oregon office.

Location: Remote Eligible (Based out of Portland, OR Office)

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide high-level technical support and strategic guidance for:

• Renewable energy projects (wind, solar, battery storage)

• Traditional energy projects

• Linear infrastructure projects (transmission lines, pipelines)

• Support environmental permitting and due diligence activities

• Prepare and contribute to:

• NEPA documents (EAs, EISs, CATEXs)

• Biological Assessments (BAs)

• Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs)

• Eagle Conservation Plans (ECPs)

• Mitigation and compliance plans

• Support project development activities including:

• Proposal preparation

• Scope and budget development

• Compliance strategy development

• Represent clients in discussions and negotiations with regulatory agencies

• Participate in conferences and industry events to support business development and company visibility

• Provide technical review and quality assurance of biological and environmental work products

• Potentially manage projects and multidisciplinary project teams

• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.

• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.

• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.

• Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in:

• Environmental Science

• Ecology

• Biology

• Natural Resources Planning

• Geography

• Related discipline

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience supporting public and/or commercial clients

• Experience with:

• Environmental permitting related to wildlife, bats, and/or avifauna

• Threatened and endangered species studies

• Habitat assessments and post-construction mortality monitoring

• Strong technical writing, communication, and organizational skills

• Demonstrated ability to:

• Lead technical efforts

• Build stakeholder relationships

• Support strategic environmental planning

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in:

• Hawaii

• Pacific Northwest

• Midwest

• Southeast U.S.

• Applied knowledge of:

• Ecological assessment

• Environmental impact analysis

• Habitat conservation planning

• Environmental due diligence

• Experience with:

• ESA Sections 7 and 10 compliance

• USFWS consultation processes

• CWA Sections 401 and 404 permitting

• Federal and state permitting processes

• Experience preparing and negotiating:

• HCPs

• ECPs and Eagle Take Permits under BGEPA

• Experience with:

• Fatality estimation and risk assessment tools

• Wildlife and habitat analysis

• NEPA-compliant documentation

• Demonstrated success in:

• Regulatory negotiations

• Technical scope and budget development

• Team leadership and mentoring

• Client and business development

• Project management

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to conduct occasional field visits and site assessments as needed
• Ability to travel for project work, meetings, conferences, and client support

Work Environment / Travel:

• Remote or hybrid work environment with affiliation to the Portland, OR office
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary environmental and engineering teams across North America
• Occasional travel to field sites, client meetings, and industry events

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits. https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $130,000-$190,000 annually

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

Additional Information

• Organization: 194 CES