Senior Wildlife Biologist and Project Manager

Environmental Science Associates; Oregon, Portland (IL, OR); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking company is seeking a Senior Wildlife Biologist and Project Manager to lead impactful projects in the Pacific Northwest. This role requires a strong background in wildlife studies, project management, and regulatory permitting. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, guiding teams through complex biological resource issues while ensuring quality and compliance. With a focus on client service and mentorship, this position offers the opportunity to shape positive community futures and contribute to sustainable environmental practices. Join a dedicated team committed to stewardship and innovation.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Company Shares via ESOP

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Conference Attendance

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in wildlife biology and project management.
• Expertise in conducting nesting bird surveys and wildlife observations.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary projects, managing scope, schedule, and budget.
• Produce clear technical documents and reports; fieldwork required.

Skills

Wildlife Surveys

Project Management

Regulatory Permitting

Client Communication

Field Surveys

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology or Environmental Science

Master's Degree in a related field

Tools

Digital Data Collection Tools

Job description

ESA is looking for a Senior Wildlife Biologist and Project Manager with a minimum of 10 years of experience working on projects in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The ideal candidate will have experience developing and implementing wildlife studies, preparing permitting and mitigation strategies, preparing environmental documentation for permits in Washington and Oregon, supporting consultation with regulatory agencies, and project management. Experience with managing task-level and project-level budgets and contracted effort is essential. Experience on energy transmission and/or renewable energy projects is preferred. We seek a highly motivated biologist with intellectual curiosity and initiative to lead, who has managed projects with complex biological resource issues, and thrives in a role managing projects and clients. The candidate will represent clients in agency discussions, plan and direct surveys, mentor staff, and pursue new contracts. This is a senior-level opportunity within our Biological Resources Team, emphasizing collaboration, quality, outstanding client service, and a team passionate about doing great work and enjoying it together.

Who You Are

• You are a Wildlife Biologist and Project Manager with at least 10 years of experience, strong communication skills, and expertise in wildlife surveys, project permitting, and management, supporting renewable energy projects in the Pacific Northwest. Your skills include identifying local birds and fauna, conducting nesting bird surveys, and documenting wildlife observations per NOAA, USFWS, WDFW, and ODFW requirements.


• You have demonstrated experience with federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, BLM, and U.S. Forest Service.


• Experience with FERC and Washington's EFSEC is a plus.


• You possess technical expertise in wildlife studies, terrestrial mitigation, energy facility siting, regulatory permitting, NEPA assessments, and agency interactions at all levels.


• You have managed projects from early planning through construction phases.


• You have experience managing large, complex projects within schedule and budget, with QA/QC oversight.


• You value a strong project management and client-focused culture.


• You have experience working in Washington and Oregon, including the eastern regions, and are capable of performing field surveys and operating related equipment. Familiarity with digital data collection tools is a plus.


• You are interested in business development and leveraging your network to acquire new work.

• You can work full-time or hybrid in our ESA Seattle or Portland offices.

What You Will Do for ESA

• Apply your technical and project management skills to natural resources projects, serving as a technical specialist in wildlife and environmental analyses, coordinating with team members and clients.


• Produce clear, concise technical documents and reports; occasional fieldwork required.


• Lead large, multi-disciplinary projects, managing scope, schedule, and budget, and navigating permitting challenges.


• Resolve issues proactively, develop permitting strategies, and ensure quality standards.


• Contribute to business and client development, including preparing proposals, scopes, and budgets.


• Work collaboratively, demonstrate respectful communication, and provide mentorship to junior staff.

What’s Special About Our Northwest Biological Resources and Land Management Team

Our team includes Wetland, Fisheries Biologists, Environmental Scientists, and Conservation Specialists serving agencies across Washington, Oregon, and the Northwest. Our work helps shape positive community futures. We value integrity, creativity, teamwork, clear communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration. To learn more, visit: https://esassoc.com/projects/

What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team dedicated to impactful projects, environmental stewardship, and sustainable futures.

We offer comprehensive benefits including health insurance, company shares via ESOP, 401(k), paid time off, and support for professional growth through tuition reimbursement and conference attendance.

Our pay range for this role is approximately $100,875–$136,991 USD, based on location and experience.

Who We Are

We are a 100% employee-owned firm valuing diversity and inclusion, built on mutual respect and varied perspectives that lead to better solutions and success.

All in-person ESA work requires proof of vaccination or an approved exemption, in accordance with safety policies.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion (EOEM/V/F/D).