Hydro Compliance Professional Fisheries Biologist

NorthWestern Energy; Black Eagle (MT); On-site; USD 76,400 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health and wellbeing programs

Competitive pay with performance increases

Paid time off including holidays

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy is looking for a Hydro Compliance Professional / Fisheries Biologist in Great Falls, MT. This position ensures compliance with FERC license and manages fisheries-related issues and environmental management.

The ideal candidate has a Master's degree in biological science, a strong safety record, and the ability to interface effectively with various stakeholders. This role offers a range of benefits including healthcare programs and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biological science (fisheries preferred) or equivalent years of experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with FERC requirements at hydroelectric projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance activities safely and direct contractors.
• Manage license compliance programs including fishery population monitoring.
• Interface with state and federal agencies to implement compliance activities.

Skills

Safety record

Strong written and verbal communication

Experience with FERC requirements

Ability to work with broad range of personnel

Knowledge of hydropower operations

Education

Master's degree in biological science

Tools

Computerized maintenance management programs

Job description

Hydro Compliance Professional / Fisheries Biologist

Location: Great Falls, MT

Pay range: $76,400 to $129,000 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full‑time

Department / Division: Planning, Development & Asset Management

Under the direction of the Manager of Hydro License Compliance, this position primarily ensures that the company complies with FERC license and other regulatory requirements related to fisheries and other resource management issues at NorthWestern Energy's hydroelectric projects. It also supports wildlife, water quality, and recreation programs as they pertain to fisheries.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs—including dental and vision for you, your spouse, and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare, and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year, for employees, spouses, and dependents to include financial health)
• Life Insurance (company pays basic employee policy; spouse and dependent insurance also available)
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Competitive pay (scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities)
• Paid company‑endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance activities safely and direct contractors to adhere to applicable safety requirements.
• Manage license compliance programs including fishery population monitoring and movement, wildlife, genetic studies, and protection and recovery of threatened and endangered species.
• Assist in technical review of fisheries and wildlife studies, consultant reports, research reports, and professional journal publications required by or arising out of NorthWestern Energy's hydro licenses.
• Provide technical assistance for FERC license amendments and FERC relicensing process.
• Supervise contractors and consultants to implement compliance activities and studies and to ensure adherence to company safety and environmental policies.
• Track and provide expertise to NWE management on emerging issues related to fisheries.
• Collaborate with operations on reservoir and flow management of the Missouri River (Fisheries Biologist only).
• Develop formal plans and implement hydro compliance activities required by FERC license and related state and federal permits with minimal guidance; oversee and implement studies, sampling and analysis and reporting required to comply with FERC license, state, and federal requirements and permits.
• Support and utilize NWE's environmental management system.
• Facilitate Technical Advisory Committees (TAC) which direct the activities of the Protection, Mitigation, and Enhancement (P, M, & E) programs.
• Interface with state and federal agencies, tribes, private interests, conservation groups, and the public to effectively implement NorthWestern Energy license compliance activities.
• Prepare and submit compliance reports to meet regulatory, permit, and license requirements.
• Prepare and manage annual and project budgets and contracts.
• Work as an effective member of a remote team and with significant travel between office, professional meetings with stakeholders and compliance projects across NorthWestern Energy's hydro system.
• Support NorthWestern Energy hydro construction projects or operational plans by overseeing or implementing required monitoring programs and ensuring compliance with state reporting requirements.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance (an essential function of this position).
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives.

Success Profile (Qualifications)

• Good safety record.
• Master's degree in biological science (fisheries preferred) or equivalent years of experience.
• Experience with FERC requirements at hydroelectric projects preferred.
• Knowledge of hydropower operations and their effect on regulated river systems preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with a broad range of agency personnel and coworkers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management programs and reporting tools.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Experience trailering and operating boats preferred.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures.
• Get into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamentals 2.0 certification is a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Employment physical: required.
• Drug test: required.
• Background check: required.
• Relocation benefit: negotiable.
• Telecommuting: none.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at [e-mail].