Field Biologist

AECOM • Remote (CA, United States) • $200k - $250k / year • 1m ago

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated 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 conducting biological surveys, vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and/or regulatory compliance and permitting implementation with support from a senior biologist. 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:

Conduct wildlife and/or botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping.
Identify and record native and non-native fauna and/or flora in the field.
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.
Assist with environmental compliance monitoring.
Botanical knowledge and ability to evaluate phenology for native seed scouting.
Oversight of restoration crew work and native seed collection activities.
Perform other related duties assigned, such as coordination with team members, scheduling of work, etc.
Conduct restoration vegetation performance monitoring.
Utilize electronic data collection methods (including GPS); manage, interpret, and analyze data, as needed.
Conduct monitoring and survey fieldwork as part of a team and alone in inland and desert environments, which can include rugged terrain.
Work under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member.
Ability to independently manage tasks.
Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
Work independently and as part of a team; be innovative and a problem solver.
Elevate compliance concerns to senior-level team members.
Provide clarification of resource project requirements to the compliance and construction teams.
Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in related field (biology, ecology, etc.).
2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience/and or education in biological natural resources.
Valid driver's license required, and must be able to safely drive to job sites.
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.
Experience conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight.
Field experience with special status species of southern California or Nevada, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
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.
Strong leadership and diplomacy skills.
Thrives independently and as part of a team.
Familiarity with 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.
Strong organizational skills and proactive communicator.
Knowledge of southern California and/or southern Nevada wildlife and plant species.
Flexible and willing to support multiple projects as needed.
Team player with excellent listening skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Experience with electronic data collection.