Wildlife Biologist 701-236-12N KWP Maui, HI

The Company

First Wind is an independent wind energy company exclusively focused on the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of utility-scale wind energy projects in the United States. Based in Boston, First Wind has developed and currently operates wind energy projects in the Northeast, the West and Hawaii.  First Wind is committed to the communities it works with to achieve the most efficient and economic wind generation projects in North America. 

Job Purpose

Kaheawa Wind Power (KWP) is the first wind energy project in the United States to implement a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) under state and federal endangered species laws.   A second project (KWP II) is planned adjacent to the existing project and will be implementing similar provisions under a new HCP.  Key provisions of both HCPs and associated state and federal permits include intensive on-site monitoring to document fatalities of covered wildlife; using acoustic instrumentation, analysis software, and other methodologies to monitor and document activity levels of bats; and supporting other conservation measures to ensure continued avoidance and minimization of wildlife impacts at the project site.  Other requirements may include providing off-site support for wildlife conservation initiatives on Maui.  

Principal Responsibilities

• ·         50% of responsibilities are to supervise 2-4 field technicians to plan, and perform systematic searches by foot over rough terrain in designated management areas to document downed wildlife (birds and bats) while following established protocols and making appropriate and timely adjustments as necessary to ensure full compliance with state and federal permits. 

• ·         Supervise and conduct carcass removal studies, searcher efficiency studies, and wildlife activity surveys following established and industry accepted protocols.  Review relevant published and unpublished scientific literature pertaining to wind-wildlife impact assessment and methods and incorporate new techniques and analysis tools as required to maintain high quality standards.   

• ·         Record detailed field notes, create and maintain computer data bases, summarize and analyze monitoring data, and generate periodic and annual reports of results, all of which are subject to federal and state wildlife agency compliance review.

• ·         Assist with native plant restoration and site re-vegetation efforts including plant procurement, layout and installation.

• ·         Coordinate volunteers, contractors, and community activities. 

• ·         Maintain a clean and organized working environment.

Qualifications

• ·         Master’s degree preferred, or minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in applicable field required (biological science, wildlife ecology/management, environmental biology, natural resources, or a closely related discipline).

• ·         At least 3-5 years of professional work experience related to natural resource monitoring and regulatory compliance, wildlife and/or habitat impact, wildlife survey and ecological assessment methodologies.  Relevant graduate degree work may substitute for experience.

• ·         Proficient with GIS and GPS and with the interpretation and use of map and earth imagery data products.  Proficient with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel and Word.  Demonstrated ability to independently learn new software platforms.

• ·         Working knowledge and experience compiling biological data, developing sampling designs, and performing statistical analysis.

• ·         Highly self-motivated, able to work independently and in a team setting, and willing to occasionally work extended hours in the field.

• ·         Ability to safely perform field survey work, operate hand and power tools, and exercise good judgment in remote locations. Most work will be during the day, occasional night work and other atypical hours will be required.

• ·         Communicate effectively and regularly with supervisors, project operations staff, and regulatory agency personnel.

• ·         Demonstrate an ability to understand and implement the provisions of HCPs, state and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to threatened and endangered species, and other conservation and environmental permitting requirements, protocols, and procedures