Limited-Term Senior Biologist

About the role

Under general direction, leads in the development of ecological restoration mitigation monitoring and reporting activities. Performs ecological investigations, research, monitoring, surveys, technical writing, planning, and reporting to meet regulatory compliance objectives. Protects, restores, enhances, and manages the District’s wetlands, flora, fisheries, and wildlife resources. Provides guidance to assess, prevent, mitigate, and manage biological impacts resulting from District projects, programs, and activities. Engages outside agencies and partnerships in a collaborative effort to streamline the delivery of restoration projects at the Salton Sea.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages the development, implementation, and reporting of Mitigation Monitoring or Reporting Programs (MMRP) and Mitigation Monitoring Plans (MMP).
• Assists with the identification, implementation, and evaluation of biological Best Management Practices (BMP); recommends and evaluates methods, goals, and measures of success.
• Completes site assessments, prepares existing conditions reports, biological opportunities and constraints analysis, and biological data collection summaries.
• Manages and coordinates district mitigation sites including site maintenance, monitoring, and ensuring easements, partners, and tenants comply with their terms and conditions.
• Identifies issues, conducts assessments, and reviews plans and specifications for sensitive species, habitat information, biological impacts, and mitigation projects.
• Advises management on natural resource permits and associated processes; interprets and negotiates permits, and identifies the need for permits issued by resource agencies (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Water Quality Control Board, etc.). Serves as district liaison with regulators.
• Engages and coordinates directly with outside agencies and partners in collaborative efforts to streamline delivery of Coachella Valley and Salton Sea restoration projects, including those proposed by the Quantitative Settlement Agreement, Salton Sea Management Plan, and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan project partners.
• Oversees, inspects, and negotiates the work of biological consultants and service providers (e.g., laboratories and nurseries); provides technical input to their work processes and products; serves as District liaison for communication and contract administration; develops Request for Proposals (RFP) in compliance with the District’s procurement and contract administration policies and procedures.
• Manages technical services contracts and task orders; maintains contract records, processes invoices, and ensures compliance with contracts.
• Participates in the creation, monitoring, and maintenance of operating procedures, work instructions, forms, processes, standard methods, and protocol; designs, oversees, and participates in quality control and quality assurance processes.
• Designs, implements, analyzes, and reports on ecological monitoring activities; prepares a variety of technical and administrative reports; advises management on project parameters, timelines, and deliverables; provides project updates and attends public meetings as an expert.
• Monitors activities through workgroups, collaborative efforts, and CVWD initiatives to track and report ongoing activities of IID and SSMP in Environmental and Public Health conditions and the Salton Sea.
• Provides assistance to management staff; participates in and provides staff support to various committees and boards; prepares and presents staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary.
• Troubleshoots, resolves, or mitigates project delays and ineffective processes.
• Remains current in subject matter requirements, including trends, innovations, and best practices; maintains professional networks, participates in professional group meetings, seminars, and workshops; reviews content from a variety of professional literature sources, including articles, websites, books, and research papers.
• Assists management with various administrative responsibilities and projects, such as budgeting, goals, procedures, and quality assurance standards for projects with biological drivers; analyzes proposed and current legislation and governmental policies, rules, and regulations; develops recommendations for District compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, ecology, botany, wildlife, zoology, or a related discipline in a life sciences field, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Five (5) years of environmental experience, including working with wildlife and navigating environmental regulations.
• Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.