Senior Permitting Biologist (Renewable Energy)

DNV Germany Holding GmbH • Full-time • Medford, MA, Middlesex County, MA, US • 1d ago

About Energy Systems We help customers navigate the complex transition to a decarbonized and more sustainable energy future. We do this by assuring that energy systems work safely and effectively, using solutions that are increasingly digital. We also help industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. Do you want to help lead decarbonization and the advancement of Renewable Energy? Do you have a passion for permitting renewable energy projects, and furthering your professional development in a company that truly puts people first? Are you excited about working with a diverse, collaborative team at the world’s largest renewable energy consultancy? At DNV our organizational culture and how we collectively influence the world for future generations matters deeply to us. Our team works every day to increase the widespread deployment and operation of renewables to address climate change and positively impact society; endeavors to achieve our purpose through the success of our customers; and strives to be high-performing and innovative. Our approach reflects the equity, respect, and diversity we wish to see in the world. DNV’s Environmental and Permitting Services (EPS) team is growing rapidly, and we are seeking a Senior Renewable Energy Project Permitting Biologist to help us provide comprehensive biological and permitting services in North America. You will be responsible for supporting project development, permitting, and owner’s engineering activities for onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, energy storage and hydrogen projects, including support for the preparation of local, state, and federal renewable energy permit applications and management plans, Bird and Bat Conservation Strategies, Habitat Conservation Plans, Eagle Conservation Plans and associated environmental impact studies. You will also be engaged in providing inputs to early phase siting and site characterization studies, assisting with field surveys, assisting with project due diligence activities and mentoring team members. What We Do In our EPS team we strive to develop long-term partnerships with our Customers, acting as their trusted advisor from the early site selection stage through to operations. As our Customers are at the forefront of the energy transition, our team focuses on being nimble, highly experienced, and driven by our mission to ensure renewable energy projects are safely and sustainably sited, permitted, and operated. Our Team The EPS team is comprised of siting, environmental, and permitting specialists who work directly with our Customers to help identify and address project risks. Our mission is to guide the sustainable, responsible growth of the renewables industry by providing innovative environmental and permitting expertise to support the greater good. To facilitate this work, excellent written and oral communication skills are paramount. Broadly, our work falls into three categories: Biological services, including field surveys, habitat conservation plans, corporate avian and bat protection plans, review of mitigation strategies, and associated permitting. Permitting services, providing support for permitting at the federal, state/provincial, and local level for wind, solar, battery storage and hydrogen projects; including stakeholder engagement. Siting services, including layout optimization, acoustical measurements, noise impact assessments, shadow flicker studies, blade/ice throw assessments, glint and glare studies, and visual impact studies. This role is based at our DNV office in various locations, presenting a dynamic hybrid schedule where employees will typically spend three (3) days per week working from either a DNV office or client location/site. Further details regarding role-specific requirements will be shared during the interview process. What You’ll Do Support renewable energy project site selection and characterization studies in North America and globally. Support and prepare regulatory documents such as permit applications, authoring of environmental reporting documentation including critical issues analyses, Bird and Bat Conservation Strategies, Eagle Conservation Plans, Habitat Conservation Plans, mitigation and monitoring plans, offshore Construction and Operations Plans, enforcement action support and associated NEPA documents. Provide support for technical due diligence reviews of environmental permits for project financing and M&A activities. Organize consulting activities with different stakeholder groups, including federal and state regulatory agencies such as the USFWS, local communities, and Tribes or First Nations. Maintain sustainable relationships and good communication with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders. Assist in business development activities including preparing proposals for each client/project, maintaining strong client relationships, and attending client meetings to support further service offering expansion. Participate in DNV’s thought leadership activities in coordination with the EPS Head of Section and Team Leads to organize publications, presentations, white papers, and other general scientific and regulatory knowledge-sharing activities related to special analysis for the renewable industry. What is Required Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, namely biology (wildlife, ecology, conservation focus), land planning, environmental science/engineering, or environmental law/policy. At least 6 years of experience on biology-related components of renewable energy or similar projects, or 6 years of experience in environmental and/or permitting experience in the US. Experience in: Preparing or leading Bird and Bat Conservation Strategies, Habitat Conservation Plans, Eagle Conservation Plans or other wildlife management plans, and biodiversity assessments; OR Preparing or reviewing wildlife survey methodology and design, mitigation options, and quantitative risk assessment; OR Engaging with and contacts within the federal and state regulatory agencies such as the USFWS, local communities, and Tribes or First Nations; and Strong written and verbal English communication skills. What is Preferred Master’s degree in a relevant field, namely biology (wildlife, ecology, conservation focus), land planning, environmental science/engineering, or environmental law/policy. 10 years of relevant experience preferred. Advanced knowledge of environmental assessment regulatory frameworks as applied to renewable energy (wind, solar, or battery storage). Experience leading winning proposal efforts for Customers in the renewable energy industry. Capable of travelling to projects in development, construction, and operation sites in varying locations (10%-20% annual time). Project Management Professional (PMP) or other technical accreditation such as P.Eng., P.Geo, P.Biol., etc. J-18808-Ljbffr