Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

New York State Job Description
Open Menu
Project Phases
Siting & Permitting
Phase 1
Operations & Maintenance
Phase 4
Typical employers
Wind Energy Developers, Environmental Consulting Firms, Government Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Research Institutions and Universities, Government Grant and Research Programs
Location
Offshore & Onshore
Work Evironment
Site & Office
Physical Requirements
  1. Mobility: Zoologists and wildlife biologists may need to move around various types of terrain, including coastal areas, shorelines, and vessels. Good mobility and the ability to walk or hike over uneven or slippery surfaces are essential.
  2. Fieldwork: Fieldwork may involve long hours of observation, data collection, and sample collection in various weather conditions. Stamina and the ability to withstand exposure to sun, wind, rain, or cold are necessary.
  3. Swimming Ability: For those conducting marine research or working in wetland environments, strong swimming skills and comfort in the water are beneficial.
  4. Boat Handling: Some fieldwork may require the use of small boats or research vessels. Basic boating skills and the ability to cope with potential seasickness are important.
  5. Safety Awareness: Safety is crucial, especially when working near water or in potentially hazardous environments. Physical requirements include the ability to follow safety protocols, wear appropriate safety gear, and respond effectively in emergency situations.
  6. Lifting and Carrying: Fieldwork may involve lifting and carrying equipment, such as research instruments, sampling gear, and data collection tools. Adequate strength and physical fitness are important for handling equipment and samples.
  7. Stamina: Fieldwork can be physically demanding, requiring the stamina to endure long hours in the field and to conduct surveys and observations efficiently.
  8. Adaptability: Fieldwork conditions can change rapidly due to weather or the behavior of wildlife. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make informed decisions is essential.
  9. Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital, especially when working in teams or collaborating with other professionals. This includes the ability to communicate findings clearly in reports and presentations.
  10. Data Management: Handling and managing data collected during fieldwork may involve using computers and analytical software. Comfort with technology and data management tools is important.

It's important to note that the physical requirements for zoologists and wildlife biologists can vary depending on the specific research focus and the nature of the fieldwork involved. For example, marine biologists may have different physical demands compared to those studying avian populations onshore. Individuals working in this field should be prepared for the physical challenges associated with their specific research and environmental conditions. Additionally, taking safety precautions and adhering to industry guidelines and protocols is paramount to ensure a safe and successful fieldwork experience.


Experience
  1. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Zoologists and wildlife biologists are often involved in conducting comprehensive EIAs for proposed offshore wind projects. This involves assessing the potential environmental effects on marine life, bird populations, and other wildlife in the project area.
  2. Baseline Studies: They may conduct baseline studies to understand the current state of local ecosystems and wildlife populations. This information serves as a reference point for assessing changes caused by the wind farm.
  3. Habitat and Species Surveys: Identifying and documenting the presence of sensitive or protected species and their habitats in the project area is crucial. Zoologists and biologists may use various survey methods, including acoustic monitoring and underwater cameras, to collect data.
  4. Impact Assessment: They assess the potential impacts of offshore wind turbines on marine mammals, fish, birds, and other wildlife. This includes considering factors like noise, electromagnetic fields, habitat disruption, and collision risk.
  5. Mitigation Planning: Based on their findings, zoologists and wildlife biologists help develop and implement mitigation measures to minimize adverse effects on wildlife. This may involve modifying the project layout, implementing seasonal construction restrictions, or designing protective measures for specific species.
  6. Monitoring and Compliance: Once the wind farm is operational, ongoing monitoring is necessary to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Zoologists and biologists may be responsible for monitoring wildlife interactions with the turbines and other infrastructure.
  7. Research and Data Analysis: Conducting research studies, analyzing data, and publishing findings in scientific journals contribute to the broader understanding of the impact of offshore wind farms on marine and avian ecosystems.
  8. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that the wind farm project aligns with environmental conservation goals.
  9. Public Outreach and Education: Zoologists and wildlife biologists may be involved in educational efforts to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable offshore energy development.
  10. Adaptive Management: Continuously evaluating the success of mitigation measures and making adjustments as needed to improve their effectiveness.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists in the offshore wind industry need a strong background in ecology, environmental science, and wildlife biology. They should also have expertise in research methods, data analysis, and environmental regulations. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential as they often work with interdisciplinary teams and engage with stakeholders. Additionally, a commitment to conservation and the protection of marine and avian ecosystems is central to their roles in this industry.


Educational Requirements

Certifications & requirements outline

Many jobs in offshore wind located offshore or are infrequent visitors of the farm need a certain level of GWO training. If your job does not visit wind farms then you don't need any level of GWO certification.

Wildlife Biologist Certification

Certification as a wildlife biologist through a recognized professional organization, such as The Wildlife Society, can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. Different levels of certification may be available.

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Marine Biologist Certification

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GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Certification

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Boat Operator Certifications

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Scientific Diving Certification

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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Training

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Companies that

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ABB Wind Power Solutions

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Working at ABB gives you the opportunity to contribute to a healthier and more prosperous world. Add to your story by joining a passionate team, focused on pushing the boundaries of technology to drive performance, shape new business models and find new ways of working that benefit our customers, partners and society. We want you to be proud of being part of ABB.

Headquarters

305 Gregson Drive

27511 Cary, North Carolina

view global locations here

Attentive Energy

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Attentive Energy is a growing team primarily based on the East Coast. In addition to our local office in New York City, Attentive Energy has an office in Boston. We continue to grow and look forward to adding more talented people across all departments. As an Attentive Energy team member, interns work with industry leaders on one of the most exciting projects in clean energy to develop and hone their skills.

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New York, New York

Boston, Massachusetts

Community Offshore Wind

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New York City, US

Equinor

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With us, you can enjoy exciting career opportunities, a progressive approach to work-life balance, a competitive salary and benefits that support your long-term financial stability – as well as the knowledge that you’re making an important contribution to society. Because at Equinor, we’re tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges head-on, and we need people with a strong drive. If you want to make a difference, you should be working for Equinor.

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2107 City West Blvd

Houston, TX 77042

General Electric (GE)

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Every year LinkedIn compiles a list of Top Companies based on metrics such as growth, gender diversity, and affinity. Watch Brandi Thomas, Vice President, Chief Audit Executive, and Chief Diversity Officer, interviewed  after GE named one of the LinkedIn Top Companies 2022 in US , Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

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5 Necco St

Boston, MA 02210

Haugland Group

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  • Finance & Accounting
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  • Internships
  • Pre-Apprentice / Pathway to a Union Career
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Melville, New York

Marmen Welcon

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Wind Tower Manufacturer, Offshore Wind Tower Manufacturer, Renewables energy, Transition Pieces, Wind Tower Fabrication, Wind Power, Wind Energy, Wind Tower Production, Blasting, Metallization and painting, Assembly of internal components, Transition Piece Production, and Steel Fabrication

Headquarters

US Office

1820 North Plum Avenue

Brandon (South Dakota) 57005USA

Tel.: 605 582-4500

Albany, New York Expected in 2023

Canada Office

557 des Erables Street

Trois-Rivières (Quebec) G8T 8Y8

Orsted

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Whatever your background and qualifications, you could find a job at Ørsted that fits you – one where you can develop personally and professionally, while helping us work towards our vision of a world that runs entirely on green energy. Roles at Ørsted are grouped into the 12 broad areas below. Explore some of these areas by following the links, to find out more about the kinds of roles they might include. These are some examples but you can always see the full breadth of opportunities and search for specific jobs, locations and keywords in our open vacancies list.

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437 Madison Ave

Suite 1903 New York

NY 10022 524 Montauk Highway

Amagansett, NY 11930

Roman Stone Construction

What type of jobs do they hire?

Roman Stone Construction is a Premier Manufacturer of PCPS & Barriers, Offshore Wind Products, Concrete Specialty Products, Cast Iron Products Serving New York City, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island.

Headquarters

85 South 4th Street
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Phone: 631-202-0640
Email: info@romanstoneco.com

Siemens Gamesa

What type of jobs do they hire?

Siemens Gamesa brings together a team of 24,500 passionate employees of close to 100 nationalities working in more than 90 countries around the world. This diversity and breadth is a tremendous advantage, as employees benefit from one another’s experience and technical know-how. Our global reach opens new horizons for professional opportunities and growth, and our work has a bigger impact than ever on the ongoing transformation of the energy industry.

Headquarters

Boulder, Colorado

1050 Walnut St #303

Fort Madison, Iowa

2597 US-61

Hutchinson, Kansas

1000 Commerce St

Vestas

What type of jobs do they hire?

Join our engineers, analysts, specialists, and other business professionals to fine-tune our increasingly efficient turbines, manage our projects, and create value for our key stakeholders. With more than 36,000 MW under service across 200+ sites in the U.S. and Canada, we're looking for dedicated wind turbine technicians and in-the-field colleagues to help build, maintain, repair, and upgrade our turbines for our customers. Vestas' North American manufacturing footprint includes two factories in Colorado specializing in blades and nacelles. Become part of a thriving supply chain to help us meet the growing demand for wind energy.

Headquarters

1417 NW Everett Street

Portland, OR 97209

see all headquarters, factory locations here

Vineyard Offshore

What type of jobs do they hire?

Join our growing team of dedicated industry professionals driving the launch of the US offshore wind industry. Vineyard Offshore is 100% focused on offshore wind in the US, and we provide a challenging and rewarding work environment where accelerated professional exposure and growth are possible alongside great colleagues.

We are looking for the very best to help us accelerate the clean energy revolution and make all of us better – come join us.

Headquarters

200 Clarendon Street, 18th Floor
Boston, MA 02116

Career Pathways

Visit NYSERDA's Offshore Wind Training Website to learn more about how this career advances.

Offshore Wind Training

Browse the positions, salaries, and training required to advance your career in offshore wind or use a map to find offshore wind training and education opportunities near you.

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