Renewable Energy Project Permitting Biologist

Company: DNV GL
Location: Austin
Posted on: January 12, 2021

Job Description:

Why you should work with us?--Because within DNV GL's Renewables Advisory group, organizational culture, and more specifically how we collectively influence the world for future generations, matters deeply to us. Our team works every day to increase the widespread deployment and operation of renewables to address climate change and positively impact society; endeavors to achieve our purpose through the success of our customers; and strives to be high-performing and innovative. Our approach reflects the equity, respect, and diversity we wish to see in the world. Brief Team and Position SummaryDNV GL - Energy is seeking a Renewable Energy Project Permitting Biologist to join our Renewables Advisory group. The Environmental and Permitting Services (EPS) team is growing rapidly, and we are seeking an intelligent and collaborative Renewable Energy Project Permitting Biologist to help us provide comprehensive biological services in North America. This person will be responsible for supporting project development, permitting, and owner's engineering activities for onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, and energy storage projects, including support for the preparation of local, state, and federal renewable energy permit applications and management plans, specifically Bird and Bat Conservation Strategies, Habitat Conservation Plans, Eagle Conservation Plans and associated environmental impact studies. You may also be engaged in providing inputs to early phase siting and site characterization studies, assisting with field surveys, and assisting with project due diligence activities. Our teamThe EPS team is comprised of siting, environmental, and permitting specialists who work directly with our customers to help identify and address project risks. Our mission is to guide the sustainable, responsible growth of the renewables industry by providing innovative environmental and permitting expertise to support the greater good.Our workOur Customers are primarily developers and utilities, developing wind (onshore and offshore), solar, and battery and energy storage projects across the U.S., Canada and internationally. To facilitate this work excellent written and oral communication skills are paramount. Broadly, our work falls into four categories:* Biological services, including field surveys, habitat conservation plans, corporate avian and bat protection plans, review of mitigation strategies, and associated permits* Permitting services, providing support for permitting at the federal, state/provincial, and local level for wind, solar, and battery storage projects; including stakeholder engagement* GIS services, including mapping, constraints reviews, radiocomm surveys, and critical issues analyses* Siting services, including layout optimization, acoustical measurements, noise impact assessments, shadow flicker, blade/ice throw, and glint and glare studies* Our Customers are at the forefront of the energy transition. Principally, our team needs to remain nimble, retain our deep expertise in wind and solar PV while growing our competency to advise on energy storage and offshore wind developments* Our Customers can choose any number of consultancies to execute on specific tasks. However, our EPS team strives to develop long-term partnerships with our Customers, acting as their trusted advisor from the earliest layouts through operationsOur Why Through this transition, our team is driven by our mission to ensure renewable energy projects are safely and sustainably designed, constructed and installed.Tasks May Include * Support renewable energy project site selection and characterization studies in North America and globally;* Support and prepare regulatory documents such as Bird and Bat Conservation Strategies, Eagle Conservation Plans, Habitat Conservation Plans, mitigation and monitoring plans, offshore Construction and Operations Plans, enforcement action support and associated NEPA documents. * Provide support for technical due diligence reviews of environmental permits for project financing and M&A activities; * Organize consulting activities with different stakeholder groups, including federal and state regulatory agencies such as the USFWS, local communities, and Tribes or First Nations; * Maintain sustainable relationships and good communication with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders; and * Assist in business development activities including preparing proposals for each client/project, maintaining strong client relationships, and attending client meetings to support further service offering expansion;* Participate in DNV GL's thought leadership activities in coordination with the EPS Head of Section and Biological Services Team Lead to organize publications, presentations, white papers, and other general scientific and regulatory knowledge-sharing activities related to special analysis for the renewable industry.Position QualificationsRequirements * Master's degree in a relevant field, namely biology, ecology, conservation biology, environmental studies, wildlife studies, or a similar field; * At least 3 years of experience working on biology-related components of renewable energy or similar projects; * Experience in wildlife survey methodology and design, mitigation options, and quantitative risk assessment;* Experience preparing or leading Bird and Bat Conservation Strategies, Habitat Conservation Plans, Eagle Conservation Plans or other wildlife management plans;* Strong proficiency in statistical analysis including R programming experience;* Knowledge of environmental assessment regulatory frameworks in various jurisdictions in North America; and* Experience coordinating with state and federal regulatory wildlife agencies* Strong written and verbal English communication skills * We conduct pre-employment drug and background screeningPreferred qualifications* Ph.D. in a relevant field, namely biology, ecology, conservation biology, environmental studies, wildlife studies, or a similar field; and* Ability to read and distill scientific literature related to renewable energy and wildlife interactions and a keen interest in keeping current in the renewable energy and wildlife field.**Immigration-related benefits (for example, visa sponsorship) are not available for this position** Opportunities Beyond BusinessOur mission is to safeguard life, property and the environment. By joining us, you will work towards our meaningful vision: to make a global impact for a safe and sustainable future. DNV--GL offers a congenial working environment, competitive salaries, and an exceptional benefits package.DNV GL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Local employment conditions apply.Please visit our website at--www.dnvgl.comCompany & Business Area DescriptionDNV GL is a global quality assurance and risk management company. Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, we enable--our customers--to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. Operating in more than 100 countries, our professionals are dedicated to helping customers in the maritime, oil & gas, power and renewables and other industries to make the world safer, smarter and greener.Equal Opportunity StatementDNV GL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity!

Keywords: DNV GL, Austin , Renewable Energy Project Permitting Biologist, Other , Austin, Texas