Senior-Level Threatened and Endangered Species Subject Matter Expert

Merjent•,

1d•$145,300 - $163,800•Remote

About The Position

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking a Senior-Level Threatened and Endangered Species (T&E) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our team. This full-time position supports energy infrastructure projects through critical issues analyses, environmental review, permit acquisitions, and construction/operation compliance management. The Senior-Level T&E SME serves as a trusted technical resource to project teams and external clients, providing expert guidance on species-related issues, regulatory requirements, permitting strategies, and agency coordination. In addition, the Senior-Level T&E SME role acts as a senior technical advisor to T&E staff, providing mentorship, technical review, regulatory guidance, and expert consultation on project-specific biological and permitting challenges. Applicants must have expertise as the technical lead conducting project reviews and effects analyses to ensure compliance with Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations for federal and non-federal projects, participating in federal ESA Section 7 consultations, and conducting critical issues analyses to inform project design, schedule, and permitting pathways. This is a full-time benefits eligible opportunity that can be based anywhere in the U.S. The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $145,300 and $163,800 annually, depending upon qualifications and experience. This position is also bonus eligible.

Requirements

Graduate degree (preferred) or bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, fisheries and wildlife, conservation biology, or a related degree.
Demonstrated experience serving as Lead T&E SME for 8-10+ years, including 3-5+ years in the consulting industry, in the majority of the following areas:
Technical Lead conducting informal and formal interagency consultations under ESA Section 7 for a minimum of 7 years including complex capital projects.
Technical Lead conducting due diligence reviews and analyses to ensure ESA compliance on non-federal projects.
Technical Lead conducting reviews to ensure compliance with BGEPA, MBTA, state, and other T&E regulations.
Technical Lead providing in-depth guidance to project teams and clients on complex biological and regulatory issues.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical aspects of projects by proactively identifying issues, developing strategies, and driving work to completion while collaborating with senior and mid-level T&E SMEs to ensure technically sound and practical outcomes.

Responsibilities

Conduct critical issues analyses and provide technical guidance to internal and external clients regarding species-related risks by evaluating how T&E concerns may affect permitting strategies, project timelines, regulatory approvals, and project execution.
Take ownership of the technical aspects on projects by setting the technical approach, defining technical strategy, and maintaining accountability for deliverables and outcomes.
Conduct project reviews and effects analyses to ensure compliance with ESA regulations for federal and non-federal projects.
Lead formal and informal ESA Section 7 consultations.
Draft and/or provide senior review of sections of BAs, Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), state permit applications, and other documents.
Ensure project compliance with Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and other federal, state, and local regulations.
Advise project managers and technical staff on complex biological and regulatory issues including understanding federal nexus triggers, regulatory environments, and compliance pathways.
Provide technical leadership, guidance, and senior review for other T&E SMEs, ensuring high-quality, technically sound project deliverables.
Mentor and support mid-level T&E SMEs through technical coaching, collaborative problem-solving, and knowledge sharing to advance individual and team capabilities.
Participate in and foster a collaborative environment within the T&E SME group through proactive communication, knowledge sharing, and coordination with colleagues.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations, policies, and guidance relevant to project permitting and compliance as they pertain to protected species.
Manage multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities, proactively advancing project work while responding to urgent and time-sensitive requests and emerging issues.
Coordinate with biological field surveyors on survey methods, implementation, and reporting for survey efforts pertaining to protected species compliance and permitting.
Participate in business development activities through conference presentations, serving as client lead, leading marketing meetings, and other networking activities.
Work with internal project teams and external clients in a manner that is consistent with Merjent's reputation for excellence.