Senior Biologist

WSP in the U.S.; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 74,200 - 146,900; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA seeks a full-time Biologist for the Earth and Environment Sector – North Mountain Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group, working across MT, WY, CO, UT, ID, OR, and WA. The role requires independent work and strong teamwork to complete botanical and wildlife surveys, including wetlands, for NEPA and permitting projects.

The candidate will support field surveys, document findings, and contribute to deliverables while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology or related field.
• Five (5) + years consulting experience on linear corridor projects.
• Familiarity with USFWS, BLM, USFS, and state survey requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally.

Responsibilities

• Support and help build the environmental project team on transmission lines, fire hardening, renewable energy, oil and gas pipelines, transportation projects, environmental surveys, NEPA analyses, and permitting services.
• Conduct biological field surveys including avian, wildlife, vegetation, wetland/waterway, and sensitive species across the North Mountain Region.
• Assist with wetland and biological surveys, permitting, and documentation.
• Follow WSP’s Code of Conduct and safety policies during fieldwork and team activities.
• Travel regionally as needed, potentially across the U.S., to support surveys and permitting efforts.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Written & oral communication

Ability to work remotely/independently

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking a full-time Biologist for our Earth and Environment Sector – North Mountain Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group working out of the North Mountain region – including Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington. The position will be filled by a detail-oriented candidate, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment. An established and successful history completing botanical and wildlife surveys as well as supporting wetland inventories is desired for this candidate. The candidate must have the experience to complete and manage biological field surveys including avian, wildlife, vegetation, wetland/waterway, and sensitive species and T&E species. Effective communication skills are important for success in this role, especially while completing field work and working as part of a larger team.

Your Impact

• Support and help build the environmental project team working on transmission lines, fire hardening, renewable energy, oil and gas pipelines, transportation projects, environmental surveys, NEPA analyses, and permitting services.
• Support biological field survey efforts throughout the North Mountain Region, including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon. Biological field surveys will include surveys for rare plants and threatened, endangered, and sensitive wildlife species.
• Assist with wetland and biological surveys, permitting, and documentation.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making by adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or other related field
• Five (5) + years prior consulting work, ideally with linear corridor projects, e.g., pipelines and/or electric transmission
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with the USFWS, BLM, USFS, and state-agency survey requirements
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and professionalism
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Substantial biological field survey knowledge
• Must be able to work in remote conditions and independently or as part of a survey team as needed
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Must be willing and able to periodically travel throughout the region with potential travel throughout the U.S.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Northwest permitting experience – i.e. northern spotted owl, marbles murrelet, anadromous fish, etc.
• Experience in construction compliance monitoring
• Experience in writing and managing the preparation of technical reports or permit applicationsExperience organizing and managing complex field survey efforts for transmission line, pipeline, or renewable energy projects.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on 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): $74,200 - $146,900

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $83,600 - $137,900

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.