Biologist I

About ERO Resources Corporation and Role Overview

At ERO Resources Corporation, we are seeking a Biologist I to lead multiple project responsibilities encompassing field direction and project management. This role involves overseeing projects from initial proposal stages through to completion with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate will have expertise in data collection, scientific data analysis, interpretation of environmental regulations, and preparation of environmental documentation, including wetland delineation reports, NEPA document sections, and permit applications. Coordination with regulatory agencies is a key part of this role.

This is a leadership position involving business development, marketing tasks, project oversight, and mentoring junior team members. The role requires a balance of fieldwork and office responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, environmental science, ecological restoration, natural resource planning, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, ideally with familiarity working in Colorado environments.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Capable of delegating and communicating complex project tasks effectively among junior personnel and GIS teams.
• Ability to independently prepare detailed reports and project scopes for diverse projects such as individual permits and biological assessments.
• Meeting deadlines consistently and proactively alerting stakeholders about potential delays.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and ability to convey regulatory requirements clearly to agencies and clients.
• Maintenance of positive professional relationships with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Conducting professional correspondence and managing permit acquisition processes.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training participation.
• Engagement in marketing and business development activities.
• A collaborative work ethic while also capable of independent initiative.

Responsibilities and Expectations

• Perform work safely and independently, adopting a consulting mindset to meet project schedules.
• Occasionally work over 40 hours, including weekends, and undertake overnight travel as project demands dictate.
• Demonstrate professionalism through respectful behavior and positive interactions with clients and colleagues.
• Attend client meetings, marketing events, and conferences in person.
• Prepare scopes and proposal documents for projects.

Business Development Duties (5%-10% of time)

• Proactively pursue client relationships and new projects.
• Prepare and review technical and financial proposals.

Team Management Responsibilities (5% of time)

• Manage assigned personnel, conduct annual performance reviews, and participate in recruitment and team planning.
• Implement safety guidelines and provide mentoring and leadership to junior staff.
• Assist in resolving personnel conflicts.

Project Management Responsibilities (75% of time)

• Handle agency correspondence, coordination, and permit processes.
• Develop and oversee fieldwork scheduling and reporting timelines.
• Maintain client communication and coordinate project activities.
• Lead project tasks including database reviews, field surveys, and reporting.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and supervision of project staff.
• Innovate approaches to regulatory compliance under Section 404 (CWA), Section 7 (ESA), and other relevant laws.
• Ensure scientific and regulatory rigor throughout projects.

Staff Oversight Responsibilities (15% of time)

• Delegate and oversee desktop reviews before fieldwork.
• Manage and lead fieldwork activities, ensuring proper data collection and documentation.
• Communicate project scopes, tasks, and budgets to field teams clearly.
• Enforce compliance with safety plans and verify accurate completion of field forms.
• Review complex regulatory documentation thoroughly and maintain schedules and budgets.
• Collaborate with GIS personnel for report figures and with editors for final deliverables.
• Maintain effective communications with clients and ensure project requirements are clearly understood and met.

Leadership Expectations

• Exhibit initiative and contribute to quality assurance/control.
• Serve as a role model for seasonal and junior staff through professionalism and dedication.
• Engage in continuous professional education through workshops, classes, or mentorship.
• Provide training and mentorship in project scoping, regulations, report writing, and client communications.
• Assist in hiring and training interns and junior staff.
• Lead resource meetings and contribute to team standards and guidance development.

Skills and Technical Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Skilled in digital data collection tools including Access databases, Trimble GPS units, and tablets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational abilities, managing multiple priorities and overseeing project deliverables and staff.
• Proven ability in project management and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Experience leading field crews effectively.
• Collaboration skills for working with teams, clients, and regulatory bodies.
• Comprehensive understanding of key environmental regulations including Clean Water Act, State Dredge and Fill requirements, Endangered Species Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
• Competence using manuals and assessment methods for natural resource evaluation.
• Experience in crafting technically sound project scopes and budgets.
• Ability to research and author natural resource technical reports.
• Creative problem solving to adapt to unforeseen project challenges.

Specializations

This role may focus on specific fields such as wildlife biology, botany, or aquatic biology according to individual expertise.

Physical Demands

The work involves field tasks in high elevation and rugged terrain with strenuous hiking up to 10 miles daily carrying equipment weighing 30-50 pounds. Field work requires digital data collection, form completion, and photography. The role also includes sedentary office work requiring computer use and sitting or standing.

Work Arrangement

This position is based at an office designated by ERO with potential for a hybrid work schedule depending on performance, business needs, fieldwork, and client requirements.

Compensation and Employment Conditions

Salary range for this position is $70,000 to $95,000 annually. ERO is an Equal Opportunity Employer participating in e-verify and pre-employment background checks. We encourage applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.