Senior Biologist

WSP in the U.S.; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 78,100 - 128,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement savings

Paid vacation and personal time

Paid parental leave

Paid sick leave

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is hiring a full-time Biologist for its Pacific Northwest Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group. This hybrid role, based in Portland, OR, requires at least 5 years of consulting experience, particularly with linear corridor projects. The successful candidate will conduct biological field surveys and serve as the primary contact for project needs. The expected salary ranges from $78,100 to $128,900, with a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical coverage, retirement savings, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of consulting work with linear corridor projects such as pipelines or electric transmission.
• Familiarity with USACE, USFWS, WDFW, ODFW, DSL, Ecology, USFS, and BLM survey requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Support the environmental project team on various projects.
• Serve as the main contact for biological project needs in Washington and Oregon.
• Conduct biological field surveys including for rare plants and wildlife.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Biological field survey knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field

Job description

Overview

WSP is seeking a full‑time Biologist for our Earth and Environment Section – Pacific Northwest Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group working hybrid out of Seattle, Redmond, WA or Portland, OR. 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 delineation and permitting 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.
• Serve as the main point‑of‑contact for biological‑related project needs in Washington and Oregon.
• Support biological field survey efforts in Washington and Oregon, including surveys for rare plants and threatened, endangered, and sensitive wildlife species.
• Assist with additional wetland and biological surveys, permitting, and documentation across the western U.S.
• 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 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 USACE, USFWS, WDFW, ODFW, DSL, Ecology, USFS and BLM 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 small 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

• Electrical transmission and distribution system experience
• Ability and experience in business development and market expansion
• Experience mentoring and recruiting staff
• Experience scoping and estimating costs for ecological survey projects
• Experience in construction compliance monitoring
• Experience in writing and managing the preparation of technical reports or permit applications
• Experience organizing and managing complex field survey efforts for transmission line, pipeline, or renewable energy projects.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on 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): $78,100 - $128,900

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.