Full-Time Biologists

The Biologist manages NorthWestern Energy's Avian Protection Program and Eagle Protection and Offset Program and supports compliance with wildlife-related regulations. This position provides wildlife-related guidance for electric and natural gas facilities and operations and assists with other Environmental Department functions.

The biologist is the subject matter expert on the Avian Protection Plan (APP), EPOP, Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) recommendations, USFWS Land Based Wind Energy Guidelines, USFWS Eagle Conservation Guidelines, state sage-grouse program and other wildlife-related regulations, guidance documents or issues. The biologist provides guidance and support on wildlife-related issues associated with the planning, siting, construction, operation, and maintenance of NorthWestern Energy's electric and natural gas generation, transmission, and distribution facilities and operations throughout its service territory. The biologist will also assist with other functions in the Environmental Department.

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

Maintain, update and implement NorthWestern Energy's APP

Coordinate EPOP contracts with Asset Management and offset contractor

Effectively work with state and federal agencies, tribes, private interests, conservation groups and the general public to understand issues and develop long-term working relationships to effectively implement the APP, address other wildlife issues and communicate NorthWestern Energy's activities

Facilitate Technical Advisory Committees (TAC), as needed, for bird and bat studies to support development and implementation of wind farm project conservation strategies

Coordinate internal training for engineers, project managers, linemen and other key positions on the APP and other wildlife related issues

Establish and implement procedures and reporting tools to document wildlife mortality associated with company operations

Analyze avian mortality reports and animal caused system outage information to identify high risk facilities and operations and provide input to address problems

Support electric transmission and distribution standards groups in identifying issues, evaluating materials and developing avian safe designs, standards and strategies

Support and utilize NorthWestern Energy's environmental information management system

Support due diligence for energy supply projects, such as wind farm developments, regarding impacts on bird, bat and other wildlife resources and habitats

Support various environmental compliance and permitting activities

Assist with environmental planning and inspection of construction projects

Demonstrated commitment to safety policies and procedures, safe work practices, and ability to maintain a good safety record

Bachelor's Degree (Master's preferred) in biological science (wildlife preferred), ecology, natural sciences or related field with 5 years of related work experience

Ability to work effectively with a broad range of disciplined professionals, regulatory agency personnel and public and private stake holders

Knowledge of utility operations, construction practices and associated interactions with avian resources preferred

Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,600 amazing people and serve over 800,000 customers who are our neighbors in our communities.

Whether you're working in the field, supporting our customers, or helping shape our future, your work matters. Join us as we invest in our people, strengthen our communities, and build an energy company positioned for long-term success and growth.

Competitive pay with performance-based wage increases and incentive opportunities, 401(k) with up to a 4% company match and up to a 7% non-elective company contribution, tuition reimbursement, paid time off starting on your first day plus 11 paid holidays, paid parental and bereavement leave, company-paid life insurance with additional coverage options, employee assistance and well-being programs, paid volunteer opportunities, training and development programs, and competitive medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA benefits for employees and eligible dependents. Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen, background check, health history questionnaire and a pre-employment physical. NorthWestern Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at View phone number on click.appcast.io or at job.