Contractor Mid-level Avian Field Biologist

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Mid-level Avian Field Biologist for immediate on-call, project-based employment in the Imperial and Riverside County region.

This is a field-based, remote position requiring the ability to be local on assignments for extended periods.

This position could support numerous natural resource projects in the southern Mojave Desert region of California with a focus on conducting biological surveys for burrowing owl.

Other assignments may include vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and/or regulatory compliance and permitting implementation with support from a senior biologist.

Candidates may be located in (or willingness to travel to or relocate to) the Mojave Desert region (including Riverside and Imperial County).

Training and/or experience conducting surveys for listed species local to southern California and Nevada desert regions including desert tortoise and flat-tailed horned lizard is preferred.

Applicant must meet the required qualifications to survey for burrowing owl.

The responsibilities of this position could include:

1. Conduct wildlife and/or botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping.
2. Identify and record native and non-native fauna and/or flora in the field.
3. Conduct special-status species surveys, following established protocols or guidelines as relevant.
4. Avian species identification and avian mortality monitoring.
5. Support project execution, including pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring.
6. Assist with environmental compliance monitoring.
7. Botanical knowledge and ability to evaluate phenology for native seed scouting.
8. Oversight of restoration crew work and native seed collection activities.
9. Perform other related duties assigned, such as coordination with team members, scheduling of work, etc.
10. Conduct restoration vegetation performance monitoring.
11. Utilize electronic data collection methods (including GPS); manage, interpret, and analyze data, as needed.
12. Conduct monitoring and survey fieldwork as part of a team and alone in inland and desert environments, which can include rugged terrain.
13. Work under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member.
14. Ability to independently manage tasks.
15. Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
16. Work independently and as part of a team; be innovative and a problem solver.
17. Elevate compliance concerns to senior-level team members.
18. Provide clarification of resource project requirements to the compliance and construction teams.
19. Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.

Burrowing Owl Qualifications:

To conduct burrowing owl surveys, the applicant must have the knowledge and experience to conduct any or all of the following, as needed:

• Familiarity with the species and its local ecology.
• Experience conducting habitat assessments and non-breeding and breeding season surveys, or experience with these surveys conducted under the direction of an experienced surveyor.
• Familiarity with the appropriate state and federal statutes related to burrowing owls, scientific research, and conservation.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (biology, ecology, etc.).
• 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in avian biology/field work.
• Valid driver license required and must be able to safely drive to job sites

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior consulting experience preferred, but non-consultant candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight.
• Meets burrowing owl qualifications.
• Strong organizational skills and proactive communicator.
• Knowledge of southern California and/or southern Nevada wildlife and plant species.
• Flexible and willing to support multiple projects as needed.
• Field experience with special status species of southern California, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Possess experience conducting biological surveys for desert tortoise and/or flat-tailed horned lizard.
• Strong leadership and diplomacy skills.
• Thrives independently and as part of a team
• Experience with electronic data collection.
• Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.
• Experience on construction-associated transmission and/or utility projects.
• Familiarity with regulatory and permitting requirements under the federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, NEPA, CEQA, and the Clean Water Act.

Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

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