Senior Field Biologist

AECOM • Remote (CA, United States) • $200k - $250k / year • 2w ago

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Senior Field Biologist for immediate, on-call part-time employment in the southern/central California and Nevada region. This position would support numerous natural resource projects in the Mojave Desert region of California and Nevada with a focus on leading biological surveys, vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and construction regulatory compliance and permitting implementation. This is a field-based, remote position requiring the ability to be local on assignments. A 10(A)(1)(a) permit for listed species local to southern California and Nevada is preferred (but not required), including species such as desert tortoise and/or Mojave ground squirrel, amongst others. This position will support multiple project managers on a variety of types of projects including utility, military, transportation, and renewable energy sectors.

The responsibilities of this position could include a subset of those listed below based on relevant experience:

Lead wildlife and/or botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping.
Conduct special-status species surveys, following established protocols or guidelines as relevant.
Avian species identification and avian mortality monitoring.
Support project execution, including pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring.
Provide Construction Lead support as needed.
Lead environmental compliance monitoring teams, including coordinating with project managers, engineers, and construction contractors and conducting worker environmental awareness programs.
Perform other related duties assigned, such as coordination with team members, scheduling of work, etc.
Utilize electronic data collection methods (including GPS); manage, interpret, and analyze data, as needed.
Botanical knowledge and ability to evaluate phenology for native seed scouting.
Oversight of restoration crew work and native seed collection activities.
Lead restoration vegetation performance monitoring.
Conduct monitoring and survey fieldwork as part of a team and alone in inland and desert environments, which can include rugged terrain and long hikes.
Work under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member.
Ability to independently manage tasks and/or oversee project teams.
Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
Work independently and as part of a team; be innovative and a problem solver.
Function as the primary point of contact for elevating compliance concerns.
Responsible for providing clarification of resource project requirements to the compliance and construction teams.
Identify and record native and non-native fauna and/or flora in the field.
Promote safety culture and lead by example through maintenance and implementation of Safe Work Plans.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in related field (biology, ecology, etc.).
4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in biological natural resources.
Valid U.S. Driver's license is required for this role and must be able to safely drive to job site.
Candidates must be able to work in the California and Nevada Mojave Desert region (including Laughlin, Barstow, Las Vegas), based on assignment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior consulting experience preferred, but non-consultant candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
Ability to lead environmental compliance monitoring teams, including coordinating with project managers, engineers, and construction contractors and conducting worker environmental awareness programs.
Strong organizational skills and proactive communicator.
Understanding of mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.
Experience on construction-associated transmission and/or utility projects.
Familiarity with regulatory and permitting requirements under the federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, NEPA, CEQA, and the Clean Water Act.
Knowledge of southern California and/or southern Nevada wildlife and plant species.
Flexible and willing to support multiple projects as needed.
Valid driver's license required and must be able to safely drive to job sites.
Team player with excellent listening skills and diplomacy.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Experience with electronic data collection.
Possess a 10(A)(1)(a) permit for listed species local to southern California and Nevada, such as desert tortoise and/or Mojave ground squirrel.
Field experience with special status species of southern California or Nevada, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
Strong leadership and diplomacy skills.
Thrives independently and as part of a team.