Assistant Vice President Biologist

About the role

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an Assistant Vice President Biologist within our Irvine, Riverside and San Diego, CA.

Responsibilities

• Provides subject matter technical support and leadership for the collection, identification, compiling, and analysis of observational and spatial data concerning a variety of vegetation, wetland, wildlife, marine, terrestrial, botanical, and/or avian species.
• Provides guidance for multi-site/phase environmental work and environmental permitting projects.
• Ensures biological-related project elements and processes are conveyed and acted upon with a high level of quality and compliance.
• Responsible for providing situational guidance to PMs and managers that address current and future challenges associated with biological impact assessment, corrective/mitigation strategy, permitting, and/or restoration.
• Supervise any on-site restoration and ensure that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.
• The Senior Biologist will assist in identifying key clients and project opportunities. They will prepare proposals for small to medium projects and participate in large RFP submittals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• 10+ years of experience working as a biologist and completing biological surveys (e.g. vegetation, wetlands, wildlife, avian, marine), fieldwork, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, and/or construction monitoring.
• Highly proficient expertise with biology skills for a specific ecosystem(s), habitat(s), and/or applicable species.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Demonstrated technical competence leading environmental permitting of assigned projects within business sector (e.g. commercial, infrastructure, energy, etc.).
• Well-defined experience in conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with ASTM guidelines and industry standards.
• Experienced with providing critical review for documents and preparing technical deliverables and plans with a high degree of complexity.
• Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with technical and business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Extensive critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
• Promised track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.
• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.
• Resource Agency Consultation Experience is required.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing technologies.
• Knowledge of environmental impact assessment methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Pay

Expected Salary: $116,000 - $140,900

Schedule

Flexible schedule to meet business needs.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.