Ecological Research Associate

beBee Careers is hiring an Ecological Research Associate in Laramie, WY. The role involves conducting avian and wildlife surveys for renewable energy projects, ensuring regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include evaluating risks on power lines, surveying wind turbines, and performing wildlife monitoring. Candidates should have a relevant degree, two years of experience, and skills in bird identification and GIS. This is a full-time position requiring extensive travel.
Job Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Ecological Research Associate to conduct avian and wildlife surveys, ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and be able to collect and analyze data related to renewable energy projects and transmission/distribution lines.

Main Responsibilities:
• Conduct thorough surveys evaluating electrocution and collision risks on power lines.
• Survey wind turbines, solar projects, and power lines to collect data on avian use, mortalities, and protection measures.
• Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal laws, as well as the Company's Avian Protection Plans, Bird and Bat Conservation Strategies, Eagle Conservation Plans, Migratory Bird Compliance Plans.
• Identify bird and other wildlife mortalities (species, cause of death), document live raptors using structures, and identify bird nests on structures.
• Perform informed curtailment activities at operating wind projects.
• Conduct pre-construction wildlife surveys and monitoring at proposed renewable and/or transmission/distribution projects.
• Report, track, and remove carrion carcasses from projects and/or roadways.
• Collect data using ArcPad and Trimble GPS units, conducting quality checks on all GIS data collected.

Requirements:
• Associate's degree or higher in Wildlife, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field of study.
• Two years of professional experience in wildlife, environmental science, or a related field.
• Bird and wildlife identification skills.
• Ability to travel extensively and work in remote locations.
• Knowledge of GIS, GPS, database management, and MS Office suite software products.