Senior-Level Threatened and Endangered Species Subject Matter Expert

position summary

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.

why Merjent?

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States who may choose a remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangement. All full-time employees begin their tenure at Merjent with 4 weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and a generous benefit and compensation package. Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

The Merjent difference is real – it's based on a commitment to our values, which guide us in how we work with clients and each other. Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and with regulatory agencies.

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.

required qualifications and experience

• 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.

E-Verify

Merjent, Inc. participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment (cover letter and resume) to merjent.applicantpro.com.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.