Wildlife Biologist

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Description

We are currently seeking resumes from qualified, responsible, self-sufficient, energetic Biologists for our Irvine, California office. This position will work on large and small-scale federal, state, and local infrastructure and development projects. Projects will require inter-discipline coordination and coordination with various engineering disciplines but may also require the management of technical leads in-house or sub-consultants. Other duties may vary by expertise including but not limited to expertise with CEQA, NEPA, Land Planning, or other specialized compliance-related activities for clientele. We are looking for an environmental professional with excellent teamwork and organizational skills, superior writing and oral communication skills, and leadership skills as a Project Manager, able to prepare and manage budgets/schedules and keep projects on task, while being responsible for the overall delivery and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will be motivated to develop and build their personal knowledge and skills to assist with the growth and success of the office. We offer a friendly, professional atmosphere with excellent benefits and a salary commensurate with experience.

Duties:

• Work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision
• Fieldwork, including survey, and monitoring
• Technical assessments/evaluations, reporting, and writing
• Perform research and synthesize findings technical reports and permit documentation
• Internal and external communication
• Manage and prepare CEQA/NEPA documents and environmental permits
• Prepare hour estimates, scopes of work, and schedules
• Collect, compile, and analyze project data including geospatial data using GPS equipment and GIS software
• Review design plans for compliance with environmental and/or permit requirements.
• Project and team leadership or support and other duties, as assigned
• Assist with business development and marketing efforts, as necessary
• Ability to travel that may include overnight stays for extended periods

Job Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Skills):

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or a related degree
• Minimum of 8 years of experience as a biologist in California. Preference will be given to work experience in Southern California for clients/owners such as Caltrans, RCTC, OCTA, SBCTA, LA Metro, Metrolink, USFS, BLM, Department of Defense, USACE, CPUC, PG&E, counties, or cities.
• Track record in producing high-quality deliverables and meeting scope, schedules, and budgets on projects.
• General understanding of NEPA and CEQA
• Familiar with the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, California Fish and Game Code Section 1602 and environmental permitting requirements
• Experience with desktop analysis for determination of field survey needs for projects
• Knowledge of Southern California flora and fauna
• Field survey experience in California including experience with wildlife/plant species/wetlands
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• General computer hardware and software skills
• Proficiency with GIS software and GPS equipment is preferred
• Ability to work closely with fellow employees and clients
• Ability to work independently on one’s own initiative as well as a member of a diverse team
• Ability to foster a positive work environment and organize and handle multiple assignments
• Project Specific Requirements may include, but not limited to, additional background checks and/or drug testing prior to and during work on the project
• Ability to work in harsh outdoor conditions (heat, cold, dust, wind, and rough terrain)
• Ability to climb stairs without assistance
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and carry a 30-pound backpack for at least 1 hour
• Ability to use a computer while sitting for extended periods on a daily basis
• Ability to work in both office and work-from-home environment
• Ability to pass a background check
• Valid Driver's License, with the ability to maintain insurability under the company's insurance carrier

Other Skills:

• Eligible or currently permitted under ESA Section 10(a)(1)(A) and California Fish and Game Code Section 2081
• Preference will be given to individuals qualified to be a desert tortoise Authorized Biologist approved by USFWS.
• Client relationships with Caltrans, RCTC, OCTA, SBCTA, LA Metro, Metrolink, USFS, BLM, Department of Defense, USACE, CPUC, and/or PG&E.
• Experience preparing CEQA/NEPA documents for transportation, railway, energy, private or other federal agency projects including inter-discipline and agency/client coordination
• Qualified to be a desert tortoise Authorized Biologist approved by USFWS
• Preference will be given to experience working with western burrowing owl, kit fox, desert tortoise, least Bell's vireo, California coastal gnatcatcher, Stephen's kangaroo rat, and their associated habitat.

Working Conditions and Environment:

Will need the ability to establish rapport quickly with others working on the same project and be able to promote a positive team environment. Working knowledge of dealing with a diverse population while using tact, diplomacy, and respect.

AZTEC Culture:

• Action oriented and flexible
• Zealous supporter of clients and teammates
• Thinking toward future and personal growth
• Equitable, inclusive, and diverse
• Collaborative comradery

AZTEC Benefits:

AZTEC offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Paid-time-Off, and a 401(k) plan.

AZTEC Overview:

AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc. (AZTEC) is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and provides diversified technical and consulting services to clients in the United States. AZTEC is part of the TYPSA Group, an international consulting engineering firm with over 3,100 employees and more than 50 offices worldwide providing multidisciplinary consulting services in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, and environment. AZTEC has a diverse culture that focuses on providing rich opportunities for its employees.

AZTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to affirmative action planning and encourages diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other non-job-related characteristic.

Please apply online at www.aztec.us/career.

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