Remote Conservation Planner Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an experienced Senior Biologist to join our growing biology team supporting renewable energy, transmission, data center, and infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest. Our biology team includes wildlife and wetland scientists who provide biological surveys, environmental permitting, regulatory coordination, and technical consulting from project planning through construction and post-construction monitoring.

The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in Midwest biology and ecology, with demonstrated experience leading field teams, managing biological studies, and supporting environmental permitting for energy and infrastructure projects. This full-time position reports through our Lakewood, Colorado office.

Location: Remote (Reporting through Lakewood, CO 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 Function:

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the lead biologist on multiple energy and infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest.
• Organize and lead agency coordination meetings and technical discussions.
• Prepare, review, and provide quality assurance for biological survey reports, technical memoranda, permit applications, and proposals.
• Provide technical leadership related to wildlife, wetlands, ecology, and natural resource management.
• Support client and regulatory strategy discussions regarding biological resource considerations.
• Attend project meetings, agency meetings, hearings, and provide expert testimony as required.

Project Management & Team Leadership

• Collaborate with project managers and multidisciplinary teams to successfully deliver projects.
• Manage biological field survey efforts and provide technical oversight.
• Train, mentor, and support junior and mid-level biology staff.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and staff development.
• Supervise biology staff, when appropriate, including workload planning and resource allocation.
• Promote collaboration, technical excellence, and quality throughout project teams.
• Proactively identify and resolve project and staffing challenges.

Environmental Permitting & Field Support

• Support environmental permitting, biological surveys, and regulatory compliance for renewable energy, electric transmission, substations, pipelines, battery storage, data centers, and other infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies throughout the Midwest.
• Support permitting efforts before Public Utility Commissions, Public Service Commissions, Areas and Activities of State Interest (1041) permitting authorities, and other regulatory agencies.
• Conduct biological field surveys as project needs require.

Project Development

• Support project development activities, including scopes of work, proposals, cost estimates, and scheduling.
• Maintain a high level of technical quality, consistency, and client service across all deliverables.
• Promote Tetra Tech's Health and Safety Program and ensure compliance with company safety procedures.

Professional Standards

• 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 safely at all times and report health and safety incidents or concerns.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in biological consulting, environmental permitting, or natural resource management.
• Demonstrated experience leading biological field teams and managing technical projects.
• Applied knowledge of:
  • Ecological assessments
  • Environmental impact analysis
  • Habitat conservation planning
  • Natural resource management
  • Site characterization studies
  • Environmental due diligence
• Experience conducting biological studies including:
  • Avian use surveys
  • Bat surveys
  • Wetland delineations
  • Listed species surveys
  • Habitat assessments
  • Post-construction mortality monitoring
• Experience with environmental permitting related to wetlands and wildlife throughout the Midwest.
• Experience with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wind Energy Guidelines and eagle take permitting under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), including development of Eagle Conservation Plans (ECPs) and Eagle Take Permit (ETP) applications.
• Experience supporting Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), Incidental Take Permits (ITPs), and regulatory consultations.
• Experience with Midwest threatened and endangered species reviews and state permitting requirements, including state incidental take authorizations.
• Experience with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting.
• Experience with state-level wetland permitting programs, including the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act.
• Strong technical writing, editing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze biological data and develop technically sound recommendations.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working independently and collaboratively.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting renewable energy, electric transmission, battery storage, pipeline, or data center projects.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience providing expert testimony before regulatory agencies.
• Existing relationships with Midwest regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting business development, proposal preparation, and client relationship management.

Work Environment:

The primary focus of this position is supporting projects throughout the Midwest, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, with occasional support in the Mountain West region, including Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Arizona. The position includes a combination of office, remote, and field work, with travel required for project meetings, agency coordination, biological field surveys, and client support.

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: $90,000-$130,000 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.