Wildlife Biologist – Lead (Hybrid)

Tetra Tech is seeking a Wildlife Biologist – Lead in Portland, OR, to oversee post-construction mortality monitoring studies for wind and solar projects. The role involves leadership in wildlife studies, regulatory compliance, data analysis, and stakeholder communication. Responsibilities include managing field logistics, interpreting results, preparing technical reports, and mentoring junior staff. The position focuses on avian and bat fatality monitoring and requires collaboration with various teams.
The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding a highly motivated, experienced task Wildlife Biologist (Lead) to support our renewable energy development clients in planning, implementing, and reporting on post-construction mortality monitoring (PCMM) studies at utility-scale wind and solar projects. This role involves leadership and technical oversight of field-based wildlife studies, with a particular focus on avian and bat fatality monitoring, data analysis, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder communication.

You will work closely with project managers, field technicians, analysts, and clients to ensure compliance with federal and state wildlife permitting requirements, such as those under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA). The successful candidate will play a central role in the design, implementation, analysis and interpretation of PCMM studies, and contribute to broader environmental permitting and strategy development for some of the nation’s most impactful clean energy projects.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Your Role:
• Serve as task lead for post-construction wildlife monitoring projects at wind and solar energy facilities.
• Implement avian and bat fatality monitoring protocols for carcass searches, carcass persistence trials, searcher efficiency trials, and site-specific adaptive monitoring plans.
• Manage and coordinate field logistics, including staffing, schedules, training, and equipment.
• Perform or oversee data QA/QC and support statistical analysis for fatality estimation using software such as GenEst, EoA, or R-based custom models.
• Interpret results within the context of project-specific Incidental Take Permits, HCPs (Habitat Conservation Plans), fatality threshold and/or mitigation frameworks.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports and regulatory deliverables for clients and agencies, with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and scientific rigor.
• Support or lead communications with agencies (e.g., USFWS, state wildlife agencies) regarding compliance updates, adaptive management triggers, or mitigation negotiations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including database managers, GIS analysts, permitting specialists, and ecological modelers.
• Support client development by identifying new opportunities, preparing scopes of work, and assisting with proposals and budgeting.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to internal training related to PCMM protocols and best practices.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

Qualifications:
• BS, MS, or PhD in biology, ecology, wildlife science, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, preferably including fieldwork and reporting for PCMM studies on renewable energy projects.
• Working knowledge of avian and bat ecology, species identification, and common causes of wildlife interactions with wind and solar infrastructure.
• Experience managing or participating in post-construction mortality monitoring studies, including trial design and familiarity with statistical fatality estimation methods.
• Familiarity with environmental permitting processes under ESA, NEPA, BGEPA, and state wildlife agency regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage field teams and coordinate with clients, subcontractors, and regulators.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize technical findings into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to work within and uphold a strong safety culture, including the preparation of safety plans.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and be able to travel to field sites.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience using GenEst, R, or other statistical software to estimate wildlife fatalities and assess detection probabilities.
• Applied knowledge of habitat conservation planning, adaptive management, and wildlife mitigation design.
• Prior involvement in developing or implementing monitoring programs specified in Eagle Conservation Plans (ECPs) and Eagle Take Permits (ETPs).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced consulting environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring junior staff, peer reviewing technical documents, and driving continuous improvement.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits. https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs