[Hiring] Authorized Special Status Species Field Biologist @AECOM

Role Description

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Authorized Special Status Species Field Biologist for immediate employment in the southern California desert regions. This is a field-based, fully remote, on-call position requiring the ability to be local on field assignments for extended periods but linked to a Southern California-based office.

This position would support numerous natural resource projects with a focus on biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring primarily for:

• Crotch’s Bumble Bee
• Quino checkerspot butterfly
• Western spadefoot
• Stephen’s kangaroo rat

Responsibilities may include:

• Lead protocol and pre-construction Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly surveys and monitoring.
• Lead and conduct focused western spadefoot surveys and monitoring, including implementation exclusionary fencing, artificial watering to elicit a movement response, and relocation.
• Lead and conduct focused Stephen’s kangaroo rat trapping surveys and monitoring, including implementation exclusionary fencing, trapping, and relocation.
• Conduct general 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 other special-status species surveys, following established protocols or guidelines as relevant.
• Conduct avian species nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring.
• Support project execution, including pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring.
• Assist with environmental compliance monitoring.
• Provide oversight of restoration crew work and restoration vegetation performance monitoring.
• Perform other related duties assigned, such as coordination with team members, scheduling of work, etc.
• Utilize electronic data collection methods in the field; manage, interpret, and analyze data, as needed.
• Conduct monitoring and survey fieldwork as part of a team and independently in inland and desert environments, which can include rugged terrain.
• Work under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Elevate compliance concerns to project or construction managers.
• Provide clarification of resource project requirements to the compliance and construction teams.
• Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (biology, ecology, etc.)
• 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education working in southern California ecoregions focused on conducting surveys for listed species local to southern California, particularly Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat.
• A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Requirements

• Prior consulting experience is preferred, but non-consultant candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight.
• Experience implementing the terms and conditions of USFWS biological opinions or Habitat Conservation Plans, CDFW incidental take permits, and/or California Environmental Quality Act Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs.
• Previously approved as a biological monitor or designated biologist by USFWS and/or CDFW for Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat.
• Permits or experience for one more of the following species:
• 10(A)(1)(a) permit to conduct protocol surveys for Quino checkerspot butterfly and monitoring experience.
• 10(A)(1)(a) permit to conduct focused surveys for Stephen’s kangaroo rat. Experience must include at least 40 calendar nights performing small mammal live-trapping surveys and handling at least 40 individual Stephens’ kangaroo rat. Experience must include using exclusion fencing to salvage and exclude small mammals from construction work areas, and/or experience performing small mammal translocations.
• Substantial field experience to conduct western spadefoot surveys and monitoring. Must be able to identify the species visually and vocally and have experience in handling and translocating western spadefoot. In addition, experience must include all life stages of the western spadefoot.
• Substantial field experience to conduct Crotch’s bumble bee surveys and monitoring.
• Knowledge of southern California wildlife and plant species.
• Flexibility and willingness to support multiple projects as needed.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and proactive communication skills.
• Experience with electronic data collection (Fulcrum, Field Maps, etc.).
• Field experience with special status species of southern California, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Possess a CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit and/or Memorandum of Understanding for Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, Stephen’s kangaroo rat or other southern California State Listed Species.
• Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle over difficult terrain.
• Strong leadership and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to work 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits
• Paid time off, leaves of absences
• Voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options
• Well-being resources, employee assistance program
• Business travel insurance, service recognition awards
• Retirement savings plan, employee stock purchase plan