Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist

About the role

EPS Energy Project Solutions is seeking a full-time Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist based in our Las Vegas, NV office. This is a field-heavy role focused on biological surveys, environmental compliance, and technical reporting across energy, infrastructure, and development projects throughout the Southwest.

Responsibilities

• Carry out and manage field investigations related to wildlife, botanical resources, waters of the United States, wetlands, and other biological and environmental resources.
• Serve as a Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist on construction and pre-construction projects, including clearance surveys, translocation, and on-site monitoring in compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requirements.
• Perform nesting bird surveys, habitat assessments, and other species-specific biological surveys as project needs arise.
• Analyze collected environmental data and compile professional technical reports including data assessment, evaluation, and original written analysis.
• Prepare summaries and reports on field investigation and inspection results for clients and regulatory agencies.
• Interface with clients, contractors, construction crews, and regulatory agencies professionally and pragmatically — ensuring project objectives are met while complying with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
• Prioritize tasks and work autonomously in both office and remote field settings, often independently.

Requirements

• Hold a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Be a previously approved U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist.
• Provide documentation of prior project authorizations.
• Have a minimum of 2 years of dedicated field experience conducting biological surveys, wildlife monitoring, or environmental compliance work in the desert Southwest.
• Be a strong, clear communicator who can work effectively with construction crews, clients, and agency representatives in high-pressure field environments.
• Approach environmental work pragmatically — follow the rules, do the work ethically, and keep projects moving forward.
• Be comfortable working independently in remote field conditions for extended periods, including long field days (9–11 hours).
• Produce accurate, professional technical reports and written deliverables with minimal oversight.
• Be organized, self-directed, and reliable — ready when a survey needs to happen tomorrow.
• Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Previously approved U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist.
• Minimum of 2 years of dedicated field experience conducting biological surveys, wildlife monitoring, or environmental compliance work in the desert Southwest.
• Strong communication skills, ability to work effectively with construction crews, clients, and agency representatives in high-pressure field environments.
• Pragmatic approach to environmental work, following the rules, doing the work ethically, and keeping projects moving forward.
• Comfortable working independently in remote field conditions for extended periods, including long field days (9–11 hours).
• Ability to produce accurate, professional technical reports and written deliverables with minimal oversight.
• Organized, self-directed, and reliable.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Skills

• Experience with multiple species surveys beyond desert tortoise (nesting birds, raptors, burrowing owls, sensitive plant species).
• Familiarity with NEPA, ESA Section 7 and Section 10, and state-level environmental permitting in Nevada, California, or Utah.
• Experience working on energy, transmission, utility, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Prior consulting experience in a private-sector environmental firm.
• Cross-training potential across multiple biological disciplines.

Benefits

• Meaningful growth opportunities within the company.
• Real collaboration with diverse perspectives.
• Respect for your time with generous PTO.
• Benefits that care, including health coverage and a 401(k) match.
• Weekly team lunches to recharge.
• Culture that connects through various team-building activities.