Wildlife Biologist - Field focused (on-call)

About the role

AECOM is seeking a Field Wildlife Biologist (Biologist II) to support some of California's critical broadband infrastructure projects. This is a primary field-based, on-call position, with hours varying based on project needs. The position is based in Sacramento or Bakersfield, CA, and requires local candidates due to travel and field work.

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.
• Monitoring during construction activities for compliance with environmental requirements and permits.
• 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.
• Independent travel will be required.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred 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.
• Knowledgeable about common and special-status wildlife species that occur in the Central Valley and Central Coast regions of California.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Independent travel will be required.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

About AECOM

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. We solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025.