Wildlife Biologist (Task Lead) Hybrid

Tetra Tech Inc

Portland, OR

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$75,000–$95,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Adaptive Programming, Alternative Energy, Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Biology, Communication Skills, Conservation, Construction, Consulting, Continuous Improvement, Data Analysis, Data Quality, Documentation, Driver's License, Ecology, Editing, Employee Orientation, Environmental Compliance, Environmental Sciences, Industry Standards, Leadership, Leading Edge Technology, Lift/Move 40 Pounds, Logistics, Maintain Compliance, Management Strategy, Mentoring, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, People Management, Physical Demands, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Project Execution, Project Planning, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Proposal Writing, Public Health, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Management, Quality Metrics, R Programming Language, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Reporting Skills, Safety Training, Safety/Work Safety, Social Media, Solar Power, State Laws and Regulations, Statistics, Statistics Software, Strategic Planning, Sustainability, Team Player, Technical Editing, Technical Leadership, Technical Support, Technical Writing, Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, Willing to Travel, Wind Power, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Portland, OR
POSTED
12 days ago

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding a highly motivated and experienced Wildlife Biologist to support renewable energy development projects throughout the United States. The successful candidate will serve as a Task Lead supporting the planning, implementation, analysis, and reporting of post-construction mortality monitoring (PCMM) studies at utility-scale wind and solar energy facilities.

This role involves technical leadership, field oversight, data analysis, regulatory compliance support, and coordination with clients and regulatory agencies. The successful candidate will work closely with project managers, field biologists, analysts, and permitting specialists to support some of the nation's most significant renewable energy projects.

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.

Your Role:

Project Leadership & Field Coordination

  • Serve as Task Lead for post-construction wildlife monitoring projects at wind and solar energy facilities.
  • Implement avian and bat fatality monitoring protocols, carcass persistence trials, searcher efficiency trials, and adaptive monitoring programs.
  • Coordinate field logistics, including staffing, scheduling, training, safety, and equipment planning.
  • Provide oversight and technical guidance to field biologists and subcontractors.
  • Support project managers in successful project execution and client communication.

Data Analysis & Technical Support

  • Perform and oversee data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC).
  • Conduct statistical analyses and fatality estimation using tools such as GenEst, Evidence of Absence (EoA), R, or similar software.
  • Interpret monitoring results and provide recommendations consistent with project-specific permit requirements and mitigation commitments.
  • Support development of adaptive management strategies and wildlife mitigation measures.

Permitting & Regulatory Compliance

  • Support compliance efforts associated with:

  • Endangered Species Act (ESA)

  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

  • Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

  • State wildlife permitting programs

  • Contribute to preparation of:

  • Eagle Conservation Plans (ECPs)

  • Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs)

  • Biological Assessments

  • Permit applications and compliance reports

  • Participate in agency coordination and stakeholder discussions.

Technical Writing & Reporting

  • Prepare technical reports, monitoring summaries, permit compliance documentation, and regulatory deliverables.
  • Ensure technical work products meet company quality standards and client expectations.
  • Synthesize technical findings into clear, concise, and defensible recommendations.
  • Support proposal preparation and project planning activities.

Mentoring & Professional Development

  • Mentor junior staff and provide guidance on wildlife monitoring methodologies and best practices.
  • Participate in internal training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Support continuous improvement of monitoring protocols and technical procedures.
  • 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
  • Perform additional duties as required

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
  • 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Experience conducting wildlife field studies and preparing technical reports.
  • Experience supporting or managing post-construction mortality monitoring studies for renewable energy projects.
  • Working knowledge of avian and bat ecology and species identification.
  • Familiarity with wildlife permitting and environmental compliance processes under ESA, NEPA, BGEPA, and applicable state regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate field teams and work effectively with clients, subcontractors, and regulatory agencies.
  • Excellent technical writing, editing, and communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience using GenEst, EoA, R, or similar statistical software.
  • Experience with wildlife fatality estimation and detection probability analyses.
  • Knowledge of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), Biological Assessments, and adaptive management frameworks.
  • Experience supporting ESA Section 7 and Section 10 consultations.
  • Experience working on utility-scale wind and solar energy projects.
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring junior staff and reviewing technical documents.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a consulting environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and remote locations.
  • Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.
  • Ability to lift and carry field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
  • Ability to travel for field assignments, client meetings, and project support.
  • Combination of office, remote, and field-based work environments.

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: $75,000-$95,000 yearly

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

About the Company

T

Tetra Tech Inc

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees—16,000 people working together across disciplines and time zones to provide smart, sustainable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development. Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in 400 locations around the world. We offer competitive compensation and benefits and are searching for innovative people to join our teams.
COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Other/Not Classified
FOUNDED
1966