Senior Scientist (Part-Time)

Welcome to Verdantas, where innovation meets sustainability, and your career finds purpose! At Verdantas, we’re redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering through our use of cutting-edge modeling and digital technology and our genuine commitment to people. Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure. We partner with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join our growing team in San Ramon, CA. In this role, you will lead and independently execute complex ecological consulting efforts, apply advanced technical expertise, conduct specialized field studies and analyses, mentor junior staff, and provide senior-level guidance and oversight of technical deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential areas of service improvement; recommend and assist with developing appropriate solutions
• Conduct desktop assessments of special-status species, wetlands, waters, and other sensitive biological resources
• Conduct biological reconnaissance surveys, habitat evaluations, habitat mapping, species-specific surveys, nesting bird surveys, botanical inventories, impact assessments, and mitigation monitoring
• Coordinate and communicate with construction staff and management to facilitate workflow and ensure compliance with environmental requirements
• Prepare reports for pre-activity surveys, pre-construction surveys, and biological compliance monitoring
• Prepare complex technical reports and applications for regulatory permits
• Prepare daily survey and monitoring reports, and more complex technical reports
• Implement habitat and species restoration, enhancement, or management projects
• Utilize various tools and methods (GPS, GIS, binoculars, cameras, aerial surveys, statistics, and specialized software and databases) to conduct biological resource assessments and impact analyses
• Conduct literature reviews

Manage Projects

• Prepare, review, and understand the scope, schedule, and budget of work to be completed
• Monitor project progress to meet deadlines
• Follow up with stakeholders on the completion or delay of project phases
• Schedule, attend, or facilitate project meetings
• Take initiative, resolve issues, and identify improved procedures to ensure client needs are met effectively

Lead a Team

• Develop field survey scope and schedule, and interpret protocol requirements
• Conduct and lead field work serving as the primary point of contact, including daily field check-ins and check-outs
• Ensure team members have the tools and skills necessary to perform their roles effectively and satisfy their agreements
• Mentor junior staff to help build and strengthen their technical and professional skillsets
• Provide routine performance feedback to assigned team members
• Ensure team members follow company policies and procedures

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, or related field
• Advanced degree (M.S., M.A., M.E.M., or Ph.D.) or professional certificate (e.g., GIS, P.M.P.) is preferred
• 8+ years of professional experience in biological sciences, including strong field skills
• Strong knowledge of California flora and fauna and T&E/sensitive species ecology (permits to handle T&E species preferred)
• Strong understanding of California regulatory framework (ESA, CESA, CEQA, NEPA, 401/404 permitting) and experience preparing and implementing permitting requirements
• Ability to work independently and be highly responsive to the team
• Proficiency with various tools and methods (e.g., Google Earth, GPS, GIS, binoculars, cameras, aerial surveys, statistics, and specialized software and databases) to help conduct biological resource assessments and impact analyses
• Ability to work in the field and an office environment
• Ability to travel, including overnight
• Valid driver’s license

Pay

$42 - 47/hr

Benefits

• Flexible Work Environment
• 401(k) with Company Match