Principal Bat Biologist
US Remote
We are the Environment & Planning Division of ICF. We are passionate about doing what’s right for our clients, our people, the communities where we live and work, and the environment. We are planners, scientists, program managers, communicators, economists, technologists, and strategists. We are collaborative, curious, and committed to excellence—these are qualities we value that make us who we are and inspire us to grow.
ICF is looking for a Principal Bat Biologist in our Environment & Planning division. You'll work with a skilled team of biologists, conservation planners, and ecologists. Your primary role includes overseeing consultations and preparing analyses and technical documents for compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This entails managing, developing, and implementing Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and Section 7 consultations for a variety of clients and industries. Many of our ESA consultations cover multiple regions and span 30 years, so an ability to plan long-term, landscape conservation for multiple bat species is a must. In addition, you will offer guidance and contribute to impact assessments for documents related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Collaboration with project managers, experts, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies will be key to delivering high-quality projects on time.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated knowledge of the complexities of bat conservation, familiarity working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and experience balancing client needs with long-term conservation planning. This position is well suited to someone who is looking to expand their technical skills, project management capabilities, and work on a variety of impactful projects nationwide. You will also support our business development efforts for ESA permitting.
What You Will Do
- Provide technical input, project coordination, and/or project management.
- Develop technical reports, state and federal environmental permit applications, habitat management plans, and technical studies and sections for NEPA documents.
- Manage or support the project team with budget control, invoices, schedule, personnel allocation/planning, technical approach, and subcontractor involvement.
- Perform reviews of colleague or subcontractors’ reports, presentations, technical memorandums, and other work products with a focus on technical adequacy, regulatory compliance, and other specific requirements.
- Work as a member of project teams that are comprised of project management staff, technical experts, and subcontractors where applicable.
- Plan and facilitate communication with clients, federal agencies, and state agencies.
What You Must Have (Minimum Qualifications)
- BS in biology, ecology, conservation biology, environmental science or related discipline, preferably with an emphasis on bat biology.
- 10 years of experience in endangered species surveys, analyses, and compliance, with expertise in biological resources.
- A valid driver’s license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.
What We’d Like You to Have:
- Masters or PhD in biology, ecology, conservation biology, environmental science or related discipline.
- 5+ years of project or task order management for environmental regulatory projects.
- 10+ years of experience with ESA Section 7 and 10, HCPs, NEPA analyses, conservation planning, biological assessment preparation, agency coordination, and scientifically sound assessment of project effects.
- Experience and knowledge of other special status bat species such as Florida bonneted bat, little brown bat, tricolored bat, hoary bat, Virginia big-eared bat, and other bat species of special concern.
- Experience in various field assessment techniques for listed bat species, including mist netting, habitat assessment, and acoustic surveys.
- USFWS recovery permits for summer and winter surveys necessary for Indiana bat, gray bat, and northern long-eared bat.
- Experience with acoustical survey techniques and analysis, including vetting of potential protected species detections.
- Experience with a variety of clients and industries such as energy, transportation, federal agencies, state agencies, and private development.
- In-depth knowledge of the impact of mechanisms affecting bat species.
- Demonstrated exposure to various field methods, data analysis, and monitoring needs related to renewable energy projects and other regulatory environments.
- Statistical and modeling experience related to effect assessments and incidental take associated with wind power projects.
- Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage multiple projects and time to meet project deadlines and budgets.
This is an outstanding opportunity to work with talented and passionate individuals and to grow with a firm that believes in nurturing talent and developing long-term career success. ICF is a purpose driven company with a strong culture and underlying values that prize diversity, opportunity, equality, and respect. Our core values include Embracing Differences, and we seek candidates who are passionate about building a culture that encourages, develops, and hires dimensions of differences.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
