Part-Time Field Biologist

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Field Biologist for part-time, on-call employment in the southern/central California and Nevada desert regions.

This position supports natural resource projects in the Mojave Desert. Focuses on biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring, primarily for desert tortoise and/or burrowing owl. Potential for vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and permitting implementation, with support from a senior biologist. A field-based, fully remote position requiring on-site presence during fieldwork.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Training/experience conducting surveys for listed species in southern California and Nevada desert regions (desert tortoise, burrowing owl, Mojave fringe-toed lizard, and Mojave ground squirrel).
• Must meet guidelines to become a desert tortoise monitor by USFWS and CDFW.

Responsibilities may include:

1. Desert tortoise, burrowing owl, desert kit fox, and American badger surveys and monitoring.
2. General wildlife and/or botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping.
3. Identification and recording of native and non-native fauna/flora.
4. Special-status species surveys (following protocols).
5. Avian nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring.
6. Project execution support (pre-construction surveys, construction monitoring).
7. Environmental compliance monitoring.
8. Related duties (team coordination, scheduling, etc.).
9. Electronic data collection, management, interpretation, and analysis.
10. Monitoring and survey fieldwork independently and as a team in desert environments.
11. Working under project manager or senior team member supervision.
12. Ensuring tasks stay on schedule and budget.
13. Elevating compliance concerns to senior team members.
14. Clarifying resource project requirements to compliance and construction teams.
15. Promoting safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.

Desert Tortoise Monitor Requirements (for USFWS/CDFW approval):

• Ability to locate, identify, and report desert tortoise sign.
• Knowledge of desert tortoise behavior, ecology, and physiology.
• Field experience and training in safe desert tortoise surveys/monitoring.
• Completion of Desert Tortoise Council's Introduction to Mojave Desert Tortoise course (or equivalent).
• Familiarity with the Desert Tortoise (Mojave Population) Field Manual (USFWS 2009).
• Ability to conduct tortoise surveys as a team.
• Monitoring protective measures implementation.
• Recording and reporting noncompliance incidents.
• Halting project activities if necessary.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (biology, ecology, etc.).
• 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent in desert environments within the range of the desert tortoise.
• Valid U.S. Driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior consulting experience (preferred, but non-consultants considered).
• Knowledge of Southern California/Nevada wildlife and plants.
• Flexibility to support multiple projects.
• Experience with electronic data collection tools (e.g., Fulcrum, Field Maps).
• Experience conducting biological surveys/compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight.
• Experience implementing USFWS biological opinions and CDFW incidental take permits.
• Field experience with special status species (and knowledge of regulatory requirements).
• 10(A)(1)(a) permit for federally listed species.
• Ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles over difficult terrain.
• Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.
• Experience on construction-associated transmission/utility projects.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (Endangered Species Act, CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.

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