Job Description

PSE’s Environmental Services team is looking for a Consulting Resource Scientist (Senior Avian and Wildlife Biologist) to serve as the subject matter expert and technical lead on all avian species issues for PSE. This successful candidate will support existing gas and electric facility operations as well as provide senior technical and strategic advice to leadership for our Clean Energy transformation projects. This person will lead our avian team and supports new energy projects, existing infrastructure and supports and provides guidance to various teams on avian issues, identifying issues that may be risks, and developing mitigation plans as appropriate. This person will also support the company’s compliance under the Endangered Species Act under both the statute and PSE's FERC license.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing technical staff, inspiring bold and creative thinking, providing strategic direction to the team, setting program priorities, and developing robust analysis and strategies to drive business objectives. The ideal candidate has strong project and program management skills, renewable energy project experience, and experience working with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Job Responsibilities

• Direct the development of strategies to secure appropriate permits and/or regulatory approvals for new projects.
• Collaboratively works with staff, other PSE departments, resource and regulatory agencies, and other organizations.
• Direct habitat assessments for special status bird species in accordance with local and state protocols or guidelines or as specified in regulatory documents.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary biological teams for federal and state regulatory surveys, monitoring and documentation.
• Lead and contribute to preparing technical documents and associated management plans in compliance with state and federal requirements, serving in roles ranging from lead technical expert to project consultation on a species.
• Draft permit applications and prepare biological sections or other project documents.
• Work directly with internal customers and regulatory agencies to oversee project compliance with biological mitigation measures and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develop scopes of work and manage consultants who conduct natural resource surveys, biological monitoring (as necessary), field team management, and providing specialized site assessments.
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Avian on projects associated with siting, construction, and operation of company energy facilities.
• Prepares and manages programmatic budgets to meet department goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned these may include but are not limited to: natural resource surveys, biological monitoring, field team management and providing specialized site assessments.
• Deep knowledge of avian renewable energy development guidance in Washington and the Rocky Mountain west including study protocols, construction setbacks, and accepted avoidance, minimization and mitigation protocols.
• Significant experience applying the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Support due diligence reviews of energy projects being considered by PSE for acquisition or power purchase agreements.
• Demonstrated mastery of a broad understanding of issues related to Northwest power industry. Expert in technical matters and demonstrated coach and mentor to other staff.
• Ability to travel long distances to and from project sites that may require overnight stays.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and Master’s in Environmental Science, Biology, Hydrology, Engineering, Anthropology, Mathematics or similar with 10 years of experience in the field (two years of appropriate additional experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree).
• Significant experience in electric and/or gas supply industry or equivalent.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Expert analytical skills.
• Demonstrated capability in leadership, team building, and establishing long-term relationships with regulatory agency contacts.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in biology, ecology, conservation biology, environmental science or related discipline.
• 7+ years of project or task order management for ecological or regulatory projects.
• 7+ years of experience with ESA Section 7 and 10, habitat conservation plans, NEPA analyses, conservation planning, biological assessment preparation, agency coordination, and/or scientifically sound assessment of project effects.
• 7+ years of project or program management experience.
• Significant experience in clean energy and renewable power project citing and development
• Statistical and modeling experience related to effect assessments and incidental take associated with wind and renewable energy projects.
• An understanding of local, state, and federal regulations that affect bird species management in Washington and Montana
• Maintain a flexible schedule due to unforeseen or last-minute project needs
• Experience with GPS units/ArcGIS Maps
• Excellent bird identification skills (by sight and sound)
• Demonstrated experience with various field methods, data analysis, and monitoring needs related to renewable energy projects and other regulatory environments
• Expert command of avian survey protocols and guidelines in the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor junior staff to design, coordinate direct, conduct, analyze and manage detailed environmental programs and studies to fulfill Company objectives.
• Strong organizational, time management, and technical writing skills; project management experience

Additional Information