Avian Biologist - South Dakota

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Your Role:

Tetra Tech is seeking a part-time Avian Biologist for our Bloomington, MN operations to provide support on a client site out of state in McPherson County, SD.  The selected candidate will provide field support for avian surveys as part of ongoing environmental assessments at a proposed wind farm in South Dakota. In this position, the field biologist will be responsible for avian surveys, adhering to standardized protocols, and keeping detailed field data sheets.  Precise and complete data collection is essential for this position. 

The project work will begin on or around the week of February 24, 2025, and will continue through roughly April 2027.  Additional years of surveys may be added.

Qualifications:

Candidates should have 0-5 years of experience, and will also have / be:

• Previous experience conducting pre-construction avian point county surveys, eagle use surveys, eagle nest surveys consistent with USFWS Land-based Wind Energy Guidelines and Eagle Conservation Guidelines preferred.  
• Able to accurately identify local avian species by sight.
• Familiar with and competent using compass, GPS, binoculars, tablets and digital cameras.
• Comfortable in harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain (i.e., extreme heat or cold, high winds, and all forms of precipitation).
• Excellent communicator, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently with limited supervision as well as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully support complex and time sensitive projects and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Able to have flexibility in scheduling due to changing field conditions.
• Possess strong analytical, organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal).  
• Highly motivated, customer focused and work well in a team environment.  
• Familiarity with maps and be able to navigate with maps and/or GPS.

In addition:

• This position requires you to drive on a regular basis.  Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver’s license and good driving record is required.

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred, but job experience may substitute.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to walk around project sites
• Must be able to carry up to 20 pounds of equipment such as scopes, maps, GPS units, and cameras during field work.  

Work Environment: 

• The work environment will consist of field work in a variety of weather conditions and can occur in remote locations and include areas of uneven terrain.
• Field work requiring overnight travel will be required.

The rate of pay for this position is $17 - $25 per hour, depending on education, experience, skills, and location.

Benefits:

Tetra Tech offers a Basic Core Medical Plan and 401k.  

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 any public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, and international authorities as well as client and project requirements.