On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner

This opportunity at WSP offers the chance to join a global leader in environmental and transportation consulting and planning services. As part of our Planning & Environment group, you’ll contribute to ethical environmental systems and projects that shape the future of our environment through public consultancy, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

About the Role

We are seeking an On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner based in our Albuquerque, NM, or El Paso, TX, offices. This role supports our diverse range of environmental planning services, enabling future-ready growth for our clients.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning, development, and implementation of environmental projects to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations under close supervision.
• Contribute to the natural resources portions of planning documents.
• Assist with implementation of project development requirements in collaboration with WSP personnel, outside contractors, and agency/tribal stakeholders.
• Conduct data collection, research, field surveys, and technical work under supervision, with up to 80% travel (primarily to SE New Mexico) for 2-6 days at a time, on average.
• Responsible for understanding regulatory rules and rule changes.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct in adherence to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform other duties as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science (Botany, Wildlife Biology, etc.), Natural Resource Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1 to 5 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, including environmental field surveys for plants and animals, construction support, impact assessments, and permitting.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Effective analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species.
• Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
• Proficient interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with local (desert southwest) plant and animal identification.
• Experience with discipline-specific software (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, resource management, environmental science, biology, or a related field.
• Growing industry knowledge through participation in local professional practice organizations.
• Exposure to ArcGIS.
• Experience working with tribal, federal, state, or local agencies or the public.
• Experience conducting field delineation of wetlands and waters of the U.S. or other field/permitting activities.
• Experience conducting protocol surveys for special status species, particularly avian raptors and endangered plants.
• Exposure to creating, editing, and analyzing information within Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to produce maps and spatial analysis for natural resources, land use/land cover, ecotypes, habitat, etc.

Benefits

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we offer challenges to grow your career and knowledge base, with daily contributions essential to meeting client objectives, goals, and challenges.