Early Professional, Biologist

WSP in the U.S.; Town of Mount Pleasant (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an Early Professional Biologist to join the Earth & Environment Team in Valhalla, NY. Under supervision, you will conduct biological natural resource field surveys and collect observational and spatial data on vegetation, wetlands, wildlife, and habitats.

This entry-level role emphasizes learning, data documentation, safety, and the use of new technologies to support projects and client objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• Analytical biology skills and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, and ability to explain ideas professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently under supervision, as well as in a team to meet objectives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological natural resource field surveys collecting observational and spatial data on vegetation, wetlands, wildlife, birds, and other species.
• Collect and compile biological/environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, and other matrices for analysis.
• Maintain quality control for accurate documentation and measurements.
• Generate complete, accurate documentation using electronic systems and field notebooks.
• Comply with safety guidelines, site procedures, and maintain logs and data.
• Utilize latest technologies and techniques in habitat studies and analyses.

Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Professional Biologist to join our Earth & Environment Team in our Valhalla, NY office. Be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

Your Impact

• Under general supervision, conduct biological natural resource field surveys collecting observational and spatial data concerning a variety of vegetation, wetland, wildlife, marine, terrestrials, botanical, and/or avian species.
• Under general supervision, collect and compile biological/environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, sludge, and other matrices for analysis.
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
• Assist with performing basic professional biology work relating to ecological systems, air, and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
• Utilize the latest technologies and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• Analytical biology skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and State and Federal protection regulations and guidelines for applicable species/discipline.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $63,000 - $78,700

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.