Biologist job description

At Olsson, we help our clients proactively comply with complicated regulatory processes and provide our clients with the latest and best methods to review projects and maintain compliance with the Clean Water Act-Section 404, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and others.

As an Environmental Biologist, you may manage small and/or medium-sized projects, coordinate with state and federal agencies (USACE, USFWS, FHWA) to permit projects, communicate with clients, and collaborate with team members. You may also travel to job sites for field work, including species surveys and habitat assessments.

Work responsibilities will be consistent with experience and expertise and will grow throughout your career at Olsson. Entry-level professionals are encouraged to apply. Applicants with strong writing skills and good communication skills will be strongly considered.
Training and guidance will be provided. Work includes the following elements:

Clean Water Act Section 404 Permitting

Conducting wetland and stream delineations, writing jurisdictional determination reports, and writing Section 404 nationwide and individual permits. Desktop wetland delineations including the use of publicly available resources and aerial imagery to determine wetland presence. Analysis of problematic wetlands including farmed wetlands through aerial imagery techniques.

Endangered Species Act (ESA) Compliance

Evaluating ESA compliance including threatened and endangered species effects determinations through desktop screenings, habitat assessments, and field surveys. Writing biological assessments and completing informal and formal USFWS coordination.

Field Surveys

In compliance with regulatory requirements, field surveys are often required. Experience and knowledge in the following will be strongly considered:

· Avian use surveys for all bird species including birds of conservation concern, raptors, and eagles,

· plant identification and habitat documentation,

· training in wetland delineations and stream classification,

· field sampling methods and equipment use - GPS equipment, ArcGIS software, R statistical software, and

· handling threatened and endangered species.

Desktop Environmental Constraints Analysis

Environmental impacts associated with projects including land development, transportation, renewable energy, water infrastructure, and others require an analysis of potential environmental constraints based on the regulatory environment. Desktop research and knowledge of guidance, laws, and regulations as well as good writing and communication skills is needed to guide clients and projects through the regulatory environment.

• Minimum B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or another related field (candidates with the equivalent in knowledge and experience may also be considered)
• Minimum 2 years of experience successfully conducting construction monitoring on utility/transportation projects
• Central Valley species experience, including one or more of the following: San Joaquin kit fox, California tiger salamander, Swainson's hawk, vernal pool fairy shrimp, Conservancy fairy shrimp, vernal pool fairy shrimp
• Previous project approvals for handling or monitoring for the species above
• Experience conducting compliance monitoring for the species above, including preparing and presenting a Worker Environmental Awareness Program
• General knowledge and experience conducting nesting bird surveys, general wildlife pre-construction surveys, and identifying plants and wildlife in California’s San Joaquin Valley
• Map reading and field survey techniques
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently in the field or part of a team
• Experience writing field reports and monitoring logs
• Detail-oriented, resourceful, and strong time management skills
• Experience performing Biological Resource Assessments and describing general vegetation types in the San Joaquin Valley
• Familiarity with Federal and State no-take permits

Desired:

• Experience delineating wildlife exclusion areas for the species above
• Experience relocating California tiger salamander egg masses, larvae, and adults
• Experience monitoring known and natal San Joaquin kit fox dens and excavating a known den
• Experience conducting protocol surveys for Swainson’s hawk or vernal pool branchiopods
• HAZWOPER certification or willingness to become certified

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California. Recognized as the #1 ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For’ by the Zweig Group in 2021. We partner with clients in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 400+ associates in 12 offices located in Northern, Central and Southern California are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose. If hired, we require proof that you have received the COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.

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Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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ERM is hiring a Field Biologist to perform biological surveys, nesting bird surveys and construction monitoring in Northern California (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz). Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a challenging and changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project. The role of a field biologist requires technical skills, as well as, strong organizational and communication skills. This is a fixed-term, full-time role with a duration of 6 months. Local candidates preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform nesting bird surveys.
• Conducting nesting bird counts.
• Perform biological surveys for CA species (including botanical)
• Biological monitoring for construction projects
• Electronic data collection.
• Handheld and sub-meter accurate GPS data collection.
• Daily reporting and survey report compilation.
• Potential to help with office/desktop work as needed
• Other duties as assigned or required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 3+ years of experience in field biology.
• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
• Experience with nesting bird and raptor surveys
• Experience with biological surveys for CA species. Botany is a plus.
• Experience with construction monitoring.
• Familiarity with nesting bird survey protocols and/or general bird identification skills required.
• Ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and on challenging terrain.
• Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography).
• Must have a strong attention to detail in documentation of work.
• Must have strong organizational and communication skills.
• Desire to work in the field for extended period and maintain a positive attitude.
• Willingness and ability to travel with overnight stays possible.
• Demonstrated independent and effective problem solving and decision making skills.
• A strong commitment to safety and safety procedures.
• Possess a valid driver's license