Solar/Wind Energy Wildlife Scientist

American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI) is an independent, nonprofit partnership of leaders in the renewable energy industry, wildlife management agencies, and science and conservation organizations who collaborate to identify and mitigate impacts of renewables on wildlife and their habitats. AWWI’s Board recently expanded AWWI’s scope to address wind and solar energy. AWWI works closely with over 40 renewable industry and conservation partners and many other advisors to build scientific research, strategies and tools, and best practices for environmentally responsible wind energy and now solar energy siting and operations.

Collaboration and sound science are fundamental to AWWI’s work, with the efforts of our small,energetic team multiplied by the insight, support, and oversight of our Board, Committees, task forces, project partners, reviewers, and contractors.

AWWI prioritizes a strategic and nimble approach, which allows us to remain a leader in developing solutions to pave the way for a sustainable, clean energy future where renewable energy and wildlife can both thrive. All team members engage in a variety of programs, projects, and activities, and a strong belief in our mission and dedication to our work is fundamental to all we do.

Position Overview

The American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI) seeks a Solar/Wind Energy Wildlife Scientist to join the AWWI Team. The Scientist will support AWWI’s work in developing science, tools, and strategies for both wind and solar siting and operations that minimize impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat. This position will support the development and implementation of AWWI’s Research Program and other initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in an expanding and solutions-oriented field – the dynamic
intersection of renewable energy and wildlife conservation – with many of the nation’s top renewable
energy producers and conservation and science leaders.

Key Responsibilities

The Scientist’s responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

Defining and implementing AWWI’s science-based projects under the direction of AWWI’s Director
of Research, and in coordination with AWWI staff, partners, state and federal agency staff, scientists, and others, including:

• Developing and implementing research that advances progress on AWWI’s National Research Plan for wind energy and wildlife
• Supporting development and implementation of a Solar National Research Plan, modeled after AWWI’s National Research Plan for wind energy and wildlife
• Supporting the continued growth of AWWI’s wind and solar energy-wildlife database and analysis program (American Wind Wildlife Information Center), working in close coordination with AWWI’s AWWIC Manager, AWWI partners, and external collaborators
• Providing technical advice and input to conceive and conduct effectiveness tests for minimization technologies and strategies at operating renewable energy facilities working with AWWI staff
  • Contributing to analysis and synthesis of information on wind and solar energy and wildlife
  • Writing and editing reports with the goal to publish in scientific journals
    Providing technical review and scientific content for outreach and communications materials, including about AWWI products as well as renewable energy-wildlife science more generally
  • Working in coordination with the Director of Research and Executive Director to develop projects and raise funding to support AWWI wind and solar energy-wildlife initiatives
  • Managing research projects and ensuring timely progress towards project milestones

Qualifications

We're seeking applicants with the following minimum qualifications:

Technical

• Master’s degree and at least 5-years relevant work experience, including specific research experience in wind and/or solar energy and wildlife
• Experience in applying scientific research to public policy with government, academic, private, non-profit, or similar organizations
• Expertise in statistical analysis and experimental design, modeling, and/or spatial analysis
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills

Teamwork and Project Management

• Experience supporting research projects with multiple partners, engaged funders, and well-defined milestones and timelines
• Aptitude for clearly communicating scientific information to technical and general audiences
• A collaborative team member who is proactive, flexible, and able to manage and prioritize a variety of tasks
• Ability to work independently and remotely without regular supervision
• Willingness to travel (while travel has been restricted due to the COVID pandemic, this
  position will include occasional travel once restrictions are lifted)

Location, Compensation, and Benefits

• This is a remote position. If based in the Washington, DC area, there may be opportunities to work out of AWWI’s DC office. Candidates must be based on the United States and have authorization to work in the U.S.
• Salary is commensurate with the experience and skills of a recent PhD or equivalent.
• AWWI offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to submit a cover letter, resume, and electronic versions of representative publications (or two writing samples if publications are not available).
• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• No phone or written inquiries please.

AWWI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We strive to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all elements of our work and with our partners. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion, and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.