Description
Terra-Gen is a growing developer and operator of renewable energy facilities. Under the general direction of the Environmental Field Supervisor, this position will provide in-field support for our avian detection and monitoring program and assist alerting Clients in the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area under the entity, Alta Environmental Services, LLC (AES), which provides specialized technological services for the protection of the California condor. Clients are renewable Wind companies in the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a challenging work environment where schedules and tasks fluctuate according to the business needs. The role plays a crucial role in protecting California condors and Golden Eagles to maintain compliance with various permits and regulations and requires drafting protocols and reports. This position is full-time and primarily works in the Tehachapi/ Mojave area. The individual must be within a short daily driving distance for the position duties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned as needed)
- Drive resource area to perform regular fieldwork required for avian monitoring
- Utilize VHF radio telemetry and cellular tracking technology (GSM) to monitor and track condors
- Utilize binoculars to watch for condors and other avian activity
- Follow established protocols for recommending turbine curtailment, when necessary
- Work closely with program biologists to provide necessary information to team working in real time to determine curtailment needs
- Data Management: Support team in maintaining accurate and complete field data and electronic raw data for clients
- Logs and maintains complete and organized records and paperwork
- Provides input to longer term program plans and protocols
- Leads safe work practices by example and fosters a culture of compliance consistent with company policies including Code of Ethics and Employee Handbook
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
REQUIREMENTS
- Must reside in Eastern Kern County (Tehachapi/Mojave area).
- Ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and on challenging terrain.
- Knowledge of computer-aided software (Microsoft Office, Amazon Workspaces, Google Earth, etc.)
- Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies
- Map and diagram interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography)
- Knowledge of VHS telemetry surveillance equipment
- Ability to learn to identify local birds of prey and communicate their distances in kilometers or miles
- Ability to reliably show up for scheduled shifts, which could include slightly flexing hours, as daylight and team needs may change slightly throughout the seasons
- Must have a strong attention to detail in documentation of work and records retention.
- Ability to work remotely and independently with minimal supervision/direction.
- Ability to work productively with a team to work towards accomplishing mutual program goals
- Ability to maintain and care for program equipment
- Desire to work in the field for an extended period and maintain a positive attitude
- Experience following protocols and working unsupervised with high self-motivation
- A strong commitment to environmental health and safety policies and procedures, and wildlife protection and conservation
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE
- Associate’s degree or equivalent experience
- 3-5 years of professional experience in biological monitoring, or similar field/biological experience
- Knowledge of renewable energy facilities preferred, but not required
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- Must have strong organizational and communication skills
- Computer proficiency (combination of virtual, office based, and in-field)
REASONING ABILITY & DECISION-MAKING SKILLS
- Demonstrated independent and effective problem solving and decision-making skills
- Sound personal judgement
- Able to identify potential problems and proactively communicate needed corrective actions
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- Valid CA driver’s license with excellent driving record (required).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers
- Ability to comfortably lift up to 50 Lbs. and ability to maneuver in steep grades and muddy conditions
- Reaching, squatting, crouching, standing, balance, manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, walking, and sitting may be required at any time
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Ability to conduct field work in challenging terrain and/or during inclement weather, often independently.
- The individual may be exposed to adverse, outside weather conditions such as high winds, wet/snow and/or humid conditions; extreme heat/cold; precarious places.
Terra-Gen is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws and regulations as applicable. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening. All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with federal, state or local requirements such as the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Employees must be authorized to work in the US and employment is contingent upon presentation of acceptable documents as evidence of identity and employment authorization, as detailed on Form I-9.
Terra-Gen provides a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, paid holidays, and 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
The posted compensation is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California. This salary range may also be modified in the future, depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.
