Senior Biologist – Midwest Region (Remote)

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an experienced Senior Biologist to support our growing energy practice throughout the Midwest. Our biology team includes wildlife and wetland scientists who support energy, data center, transmission, pipeline, and infrastructure projects from planning and permitting through construction and post-construction monitoring.

The successful candidate will possess a strong technical background in Midwest ecology and biology, with demonstrated leadership experience managing projects, leading field teams, mentoring staff, and supporting regulatory and client interactions. This position offers opportunities for technical leadership, project management, staff development, permitting support, and strategic growth within a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.

Location: Remote (Reporting through Lakewood, CO Office)

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:

Technical Leadership & Project Support

• Serve as the lead biologist on Midwest energy and infrastructure projects.
• Organize and lead agency coordination meetings and project strategy discussions.
• Provide technical leadership on biological and ecological issues associated with renewable energy, transmission, battery storage, pipelines, data centers, and other infrastructure projects.
• Prepare, review, and provide quality assurance for biological survey reports, technical documents, and permit applications.
• Conduct peer reviews of technical work products and support consistent, high-quality deliverables.
• Support environmental due diligence, ecological assessments, habitat evaluations, and impact analyses.

Project Management & Team Leadership

• Work closely with project managers to support project execution, scheduling, budgeting, and client communications.
• Participate in project meetings, agency consultations, hearings, and expert testimony when needed.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and mentoring biology staff.
• Supervise and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level biologists.
• Help coordinate staff assignments, monitor workload availability, and support project staffing decisions.
• Proactively address project and staff concerns to ensure successful project delivery.

Permitting & Regulatory Compliance

• Support permitting and compliance efforts associated with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate with agencies and stakeholders regarding biological resource considerations.
• Support projects involving:
  • Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  • Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
  • Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
  • Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404
  • State threatened and endangered species reviews and consultations
• Assist with development of:
  • Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs)
  • Incidental Take Permits (ITPs)
  • Eagle Conservation Plans (ECPs)
  • Eagle Take Permits (ETPs)

Field Studies & Biological Surveys

• Support and occasionally conduct biological field surveys as project needs require.
• Provide oversight and guidance for field staff conducting:
  • Avian use surveys
  • Bat surveys
  • Wetland delineations and evaluations
  • Listed species studies
  • Post-construction mortality monitoring
  • Habitat assessments

Business Development & Professional Development

• Support project development through scope preparation, proposal writing, and cost estimating.
• Participate in client strategy discussions and business development efforts.
• Promote technical excellence, quality, and consistency across project teams.
• Maintain professional expertise through ongoing training and development.
• Perform activities in accordance with company procedures, industry standards, and safety requirements.
• Conduct activities in accordance with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Maintain technical expertise through continuous professional development.
• Promote and support a strong safety culture.
• Report all health and safety concerns and incidents promptly.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading biological field teams and managing projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of Midwest ecology, wildlife, wetlands, and natural resources.
• Experience with:
  • Ecological assessments
  • Environmental impact analysis
  • Habitat conservation planning
  • Environmental due diligence studies
  • Biological resource management
• Experience supporting energy development projects, including renewable energy and transmission projects.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and report review experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with USFWS Wind Energy Guidelines.
• Experience with eagle take permitting under BGEPA.
• Experience developing ECPs, ETPs, ITPs, and HCPs.
• Experience coordinating ESA and MBTA consultations.
• Experience with Midwest state-listed species reviews and permitting.
• Experience with USACE permitting and Clean Water Act Section 404 compliance.
• Experience conducting wetland delineations and natural resource field investigations.
• Experience providing expert testimony and participating in public hearings.
• Supervisory and staff management experience.
• Existing agency relationships within the Midwest region.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to perform fieldwork in varying weather and environmental conditions as needed.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Ability to travel periodically throughout the Midwest region.
• Ability to attend client meetings, agency consultations, and project site visits.
• Combination of office, remote, and field-based work environments.

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.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $90,000-$130,000 yearly

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

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.