As-Needed Field Biologists (Central Coast)

Description

• Survey, monitor, and assess habitats for special-status species, including but not limited to the following:​​​​California red-legged frogFoothill yellow-legged frogCalifornia tiger salamanderWestern spadefootNorthwestern and southwestern pond turtlesSan Francisco garter snakeCoho salmonSteelheadTidewater gobyCalifornia least ternWestern snowy ploverLeast Bell’s vireoWhite-tailed kiteNorthern harrierBurrowing owlVernal pool branchiopodsMonarch butterflySmith’s blue butterflyCrotch’s bumble beeRegionally occurring special-status plants
• Perform biological monitoring and provide compliance support during construction activities, prepare compliance monitoring reports.
• Prepare preconstruction survey reports and other technical documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide additional support to the Natural Resources Team as needed.
• Identify plant species using a dichotomous key, focusing on Central Coast botany.
• Map vegetation communities using standard mapping practices and identify sensitive vegetation communities.
• Track compliance with mitigation measures and permit conditions, maintaining accurate field reports and monitoring logs.
• Conduct site assessments, surveys, and habitat evaluations for common and special-status plant and wildlife species and map vegetation communities.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing experience preparing field reports, monitoring logs, and preconstruction survey documentation.
• Wetland delineation and regulatory permitting experience is a plus.
• Foothill yellow-legged frog
• Western snowy plover
• Western spadefoot
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws, including but not limited to federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and the California Environmental Quality Act, as well as incidental take permits, Clean Water Act permits, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, regulatory compliance oversight, and development/implementation of mitigation measures.
• Northern harrier
• Ability to work 10–12+ hour days, as needed.
• 2–5+ years of biological fieldwork required.
• Least Bell’s vireo
• White-tailed kite
• Coho salmon
• Prior approval through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or California Department of Fish and Wildlife as Designated Biologist, Species Specific Monitor or General Biological Monitor for any of the above listed species is highly desirable.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with the species listed above, including surveying and monitoring in occupied habitats and securing project approvals is highly desirable.
• Ability to hike 6–8 miles per day in often difficult terrain and variable weather conditions while carrying 25 lbs.
• California tiger salamander
• ​​​​California red-legged frog
• California least tern
• Expertise in Central Coast ecosystems, including experience with compliance monitoring, habitat assessments, vegetation monitoring, and species-specific surveys.
• San Francisco garter snake

Benefits

• Tidewater goby
• Vernal pool branchiopods

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance