HABITAT CONSERVATION PROGRAM MANAGER

at First Wind, Department of Environmental Affairs

Website:
http://www.firstwind.com/about/careers

Location:
Honolulu, HI

Duration:
open

Job Type:
Permanent

Job Description:
Job Purpose: First Wind currently owns and operates two wind energy projects in Hawaii (Kaheawa Wind Power on Maui and Kahuku Wind Power on Oahu) with two more projects under construction (Kaheawa Wind Power II on Maui and Kawailoa Wind Power on Oahu). All four projects are implementing Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) to offset impacts and provide a net conservation benefit to wildlife and their habitats under state and federal endangered species programs. We are seeking a Principal Scientist and Program Manager to oversee the implementation of the HCPs, as well as the potential development of future HCPs, for all of our Hawaii projects. This position is based in our Honolulu, HI office, although considerable in-state travel and off-site work will be required. Implementing the four existing HCPs includes: on-site monitoring programs to document fatalities of covered wildlife; monitoring wildlife use of the sites (mainly birds and bats); evaluating and advising on continued impact avoidance and minimization measures; and implementing off-site mitigation and wildlife conservation measures to ensure a net conservation benefit is realized for all covered species. The HCP Program Manager will report to First Wind’s Vice President, Environmental Affairs. Principal Responsibilities: **Principal responsibilities will be to manage implementation of First Wind’s HCP program in Hawaii, currently consisting of four HCPs for wind energy generating facilities located on the islands of Oahu and Maui. Specific responsibilities will include: **Supervising approximately 15 staff, including Senior Biologists, Biologists and Technicians at multiple operating wind energy facilities and off-site mitigation sites around Hawaii. **Ensuring that all HCP obligations are fulfilled including monitoring, mitigation, measurements of success, reporting, and adaptive management. **Planning and overseeing on-site fatality monitoring, scavenger control and vegetation management programs. **Planning and overseeing on-site wildlife activity monitoring. **Annual budget planning and tracking. **Effective coordination with state and federal wildlife agencies. **Effective coordination with the Operations Manager and staff at each operating project. **Retaining and managing contractors and consultants as needed to support HCP obligations in a cost-effective and scientifically defensible manner. **Participating in industry conferences, training, and other events. **Supporting community relations activities and participating in public outreach and education programs. **The incumbent may also be called upon to support environmental permitting and compliance for new projects under development in Hawaii. This may include analysis and siting of prospective project areas, permitting and compliance activities, and managing consultant and internal permitting and compliance teams.

To Apply:
To submit a resume, please visit First Wind’s career page at http://www.firstwind.com/about/careers . You may want to bookmark this page as First Wind will be hiring additional staff in Hawaii for similar positions throughout the year.

Qualifications:
**Master’s Degree or PhD in Environmental Science or Management, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related technical field. **Minimum of 10 years of experience managing environmental and biological staff in the implementation of wildlife monitoring and assessment, data analysis, and reporting, preferably related to wind energy or renewable energy. **A demonstrated knowledge of and experience with federal and state endangered species regulations; ecology and management of Hawaii endangered seabirds, water birds and bats; wildlife monitoring and assessment principals; NEPA and Hawaii Chapter 343 processes; and wind energy permitting and compliance issues. **Experience in the design and efficient execution of wildlife monitoring, mitigation and management activities. **Experience supervising wildlife and biological field staff. **Strong proficiency in the analysis and interpretation of wildlife monitoring data. **Problem-solver with an ability to work collaboratively with project teams and regulators. **Experience overseeing third-party consultants, including contracting, scoping, and managing project budgets and schedules. **Working knowledge of site management, erosion/sedimentation control, storm water management, and basic civil engineering concepts. **General understanding of issues facing renewable energy development in Hawaii. **Strong organizational and communication skills. **Highly motivated, enthusiastic and committed team player. **Willingness to travel frequently within Hawaii, and occasionally to the mainland. Personal Attributes Essential for Success at First Wind: **A collaborative style and a can-do attitude. **Comfortable with a fast-paced, dynamic work environment. **Ability to make informed decisions quickly. **Passionate and enthusiastic about alternative energy and wind. **Integrity and accountability.