Wildlife Biologist - Field focused (on-call)

About the role

AECOM is seeking a Field Wildlife Biologist (Biologist II) to help deliver some of California's most critical broadband infrastructure projects. This is a primary field-based, on-call position, meaning hours will vary based off of project needs. The position will be based out of our Sacramento or Bakersfield, CA offices.

Responsibilities

• Surveys for special-status wildlife and suitable habitat areas.
• Field surveys to identify aquatic resources including vernal pool complexes.
• Preparation of brief memoranda documenting survey results.
• Pre-construction surveys for listed plant and wildlife species and nesting birds.
• Leading on-site natural resources Worker Environmental Awareness Program training for construction contractors on various projects.
• Monitoring during construction activities for compliance with environmental requirements and permits, including coordination and communication with the AECOM leadership team, client, construction contractor, and agency personnel.
• Production of daily monitoring logs to summarize work activities and compliance.
• Participation as an active and positive member of AECOM’s Environmental Planning and Permitting practice in California.
• Travel to areas between Sacramento and Bakersfield will be required.
• Work will require commitment to short-term assignments.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Ecology, or a related field.
• 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in construction monitoring, environmental inspection, habitat assessments, and biological surveys.
• Valid U.S. Driver License is required for this position.
• Independent travel will be required.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience surveying for special-status species, particularly blunt nose leopard lizard (Level 2 preferred), giant garter snake, California tiger salamander, and western spadefoot.
• 10(a)1(A) permit for listed wildlife including California tiger salamander and giant garter snake is not required but preferred.
• Knowledgeable about common and special-status wildlife species that occur in the Central Valley and Central Coast regions of California, including experience conducting surveys and monitoring for such species.
• Experience as a construction monitor tasked with leading WEAPs, working with construction contractors, and implementing avoidance and minimization measures for plant and wildlife species and surface waters.
• Experience identifying vernal pools.
• Experience surveying for and identifying vernal pool species.
• Skilled in California rare plant identification.
• Experience with field data collection tools such as ArcGIS Field Maps and Fulcrum.
• Has a positive attitude and is adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment and working safely in hot and cold environments with potential long days.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location.