Staff Biologist I

Department: Field Biology

Location: Remote (Southern and Central California)

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time

Salary: $43,680 ($21.00) – $52,000 ($25.00)

Job Description:

This position provides biological and environmental support and compliance on a wide range of projects and contracts. Responsibilities include conducting field work, such as general wildlife and botanical surveys, avian nest surveys, special-status species surveys, construction monitoring, and jurisdictional delineations. This position may also assist with writing technical reports, such as biological assessments for more complex projects. The candidate should have some knowledge of southern California species, habitats, and environmental regulations. This role requires some desktop/administrative tasks, including tracking mileage, field time, travel time, expenses, written reports, summarizing data collection, and tracking individual availability. This position requires experience working in the field, from hiking long distances in treacherous terrain to working in extreme weather conditions over long periods of time. The individual must be physically capable of working in these demanding conditions on a regular basis. Overnight travel may be required for projects in remote locations.

The candidate will be located in Southern or Central California. Candidate will mobilize from personal residence and drive to and from job sites.

This position is on-call, meaning work is not guaranteed and is scheduled as work requests are received from clients. Candidate is expected to provide availability in a timely manner. Full-time positions require someone who is available 4-5 days a week/30+ hours a week. Part-time positions require someone who is available up to 3 days a week/less than 30 hours week.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

  • Conduct biological assessments, general plant and wildlife surveys, bird nest surveys, and species-specific surveys at sites throughout southern and central California.

  • Monitor such resources during maintenance activities and construction projects.

  • Use a variety of smartphone applications to record data and report findings.

  • Complete written reports of field findings and submit those reports to Forde and the clients.

  • Keep track of mileage, travel time, field time, and expenses.

  • Work closely with the scheduling and administrative team to be scheduled for work and submit data for invoicing.

  • Work with the clients in a professional and diplomatic manner.

Required Qualifications:

  • B.S. degree

  • 2 years of experience in environmental consulting

  • Experience in conducting biological assessments, general plant and wildlife surveys, nesting bird surveys, and species-specific surveys

  • Experience using ArcGIS programs including Survey123, Collector, and Field Maps

  • Strong attention to detail

  • Organization and efficiency skills

  • Tech savvy

  • Microsoft Office Suite experience

  • Independent worker

  • Excellent communication skills via phone and email

  • Must be comfortable working independently and with construction crews

  • Must be comfortable working outdoors and regularly hiking 1-3 miles in rugged terrain

  • Must be willing to travel, which may include overnight stays

  • Must own a personal vehicle and be willing to drive it to job sites

Desired Qualifications:

  • Own a 4x4 vehicle