Project Biologist

Duties and Responsibilities

• Critically analyze and/or support the critical analysis of scientific literature, agency documents, and other applicable information to assess impacts to threatened and endangered species and critical habitats due to orphaned well plugging and well site remediation and reclamation activities.
• Provide quality control and/or quality assurance reviews of various reports/plans submitted by state and Tribal grant recipients related to federal regulation requirements, with emphasis on but not limited to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and/or the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and/or the Clean Water Act (CWA), as administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (frequently delegated to State representatives) and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
• Discuss project methodologies and designs with grant recipients and OWPO and other federal agencies and recommend approaches, alternatives, and/or modifications to the proposed actions, to reduce impacts to listed species and their habitats to streamline the consultation process. Maintain awareness of and communicate needs of any other federal regulations or initiatives applicable to project methodologies, such as National Seed Strategy, Environmental Justice, Justice40, designated Wilderness, etc.
• Contribute to the preparation of species and habitat conservation documentation for Tribal and State grant recipient undertakings. Assist in data gathering, conducting impact analysis, writing sections for ESA and/or CWA required documents such as white papers, consultation letters, biological assessments, native revegetation and sensitive species relocation plans, exotics monitoring and removal plans, erosion control and storm water permits, and other technical documents in support of federal requirements and decision-making. All documentation will include GIS mapping and spatial analyses, as required.
• Respond to internal comments and draft all necessary documents for concurrence with ESA and/or CWA, with the respective agency(ies). As appropriate, coordinate with grant recipients and respective administrative agency(ies) in the preparation and review of analyses and compliance submittals. Make recommendations for the mitigation of impacts resulting from OWPO-funded undertakings to biological resources.
• Collaborate with grant recipients to review and support development of mitigation and monitoring strategies to support agency findings to ensure compliance and conformance with policies related to ESA and CWA consultation, with the respective agency(ies).
• If required, on occasion, participate in field inspection for monitoring of plugging, reclamation and remediation work including collection of field data, digital photographs, habitat quality identification, GPS data collection, and mapping to ensure that all federal requirements are met.

Qualifications

• Travel may be required up to 20%
• 10+ years of experience in application of natural resource state and federal laws.
• Must have Bachelor’s degree in Biological Studies, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry or related.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Professional knowledge of North American ecosystems including soils, aquatic system and native flora and fauna and their associated habitat requirement.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that govern natural resources management which are significant to biological, botanical, and ecological resources in order to provide advice and assistance concerning the implementation of federal programs pertaining to the identification, protection, and conservation of important natural resources.
• Skill to provide advice and assistance concerning the implementation of federal programs pertaining to the methods and practices in natural resources related fields such as critical wildlife biology, botany, conservation planning, and biological resources monitoring.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques associated with measuring and protecting plant, animal, and aquatic community dynamics as required to determine which techniques should be used to acquire the desired information and achieve needed accuracy; and to develop new techniques and methods when careful analysis indicates that existing techniques are not satisfactory.
• Thorough and comprehensive knowledge of fundamental principles, methods, and theories in biological disciplines acquired through education and experience. Ability to plan approaches and develop methods, including the ability to comprehend and apply complex theoretical considerations and new developments in the technical literature of biology and ecology and related scientific disciplines.
• Thorough training in the solution of technical and scientific problems through the application of scientific methodology. Skill in use of relevant research tools such as fields surveys, species detection, habitat mapping, remote sensing, and spatial or statistical analysis. Ability to identify and use pertinent cultural data in analysis of biological resources.
• Other certifications/licenses are a plus.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Good problem solving skills and able to work well independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Access)
• May be required to undergo a standard background check along with verification of education requirements

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described herein are representative of those which may need to be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Employees must possess the ability to work in an office environment.

If required, employees must be able to operate a motor vehicle which may require sitting for prolonged periods of time to visit other company sites. Must have hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. Standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. This position may require an employee to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb or balance, reach, push, and pull. The employee may also be required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Fortis Native Group is an equal opportunity employer.

Fortis Native Group does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, Veterans or Disability status.

Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates

in accordance with applicable federal law.