Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist - (on-call)

AECOM•San Diego, CA

11d•Remote

About The Position

AECOM is hiring an experienced Authorized Desert Tortoise Field Biologist for field-based, fully remote, on-call work in the southern and central California desert regions. The role supports natural resource projects, primarily through biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring for desert tortoise and/or burrowing owl, and may also involve vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and permitting implementation. The biologist may work locally on field assignments for extended periods and is linked to a Southern California-based office. Temporary relocation to California desert communities such as Blythe, El Centro, Palm Springs, or Barstow may be required depending on assignment. Work is conducted independently and as part of a team, including in rugged inland and desert environments, under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member. The role requires the field expertise expected of a USFWS-authorized desert tortoise biologist, including locating and reporting tortoise sign, handling and temporarily holding tortoises, relocating tortoises, working with burrows and eggs, reviewing and supervising monitors, implementing protective measures, reporting noncompliance, and stopping project activities when required by permits or biological opinions. The position also contributes to project execution, schedule and budget adherence, safety, data collection and analysis, and coordination with project and construction teams. AECOM describes its Environment business as a global environmental practice focused on technical excellence, science, innovative project delivery, and sustainable solutions. The posting is for a current vacancy, with AECOM intending to fill the position by January 29, 2027. Newly hired employees must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as biology or ecology.
Four years of relevant experience, or demonstrated equivalent experience, working in desert environments within the desert tortoise range, with training and/or experience surveying listed species local to southern California desert regions, particularly desert tortoise and burrowing owl.
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check in accordance with company policy.
U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of the work.
Thorough knowledge of desert tortoise behavior, natural history, and ecology, with substantial field experience and training to perform the authorized biologist duties described in the posting.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to support multiple projects as needed.
Strong organizational and proactive communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Prior consulting experience; candidates without consulting experience but with relevant experience will also be considered.
Experience conducting biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, or biological construction oversight.
Field experience with special-status species of southern California or Nevada and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
Substantial field experience and training conducting desert tortoise surveys and monitoring safely and successfully.
Substantial field experience conducting focused burrowing owl surveys.
Experience implementing USFWS biological opinions and CDFW incidental take permits.
Familiarity with the Desert Tortoise (Mojave Population) Field Manual (USFWS 2009).
Knowledge of southern California wildlife and plant species.
A 10(A)(1)(a) permit for listed species local to southern California and Nevada.
Ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle over difficult terrain.
Strong leadership and diplomacy skills.
Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.
Experience on construction-associated transmission 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.
Experience with electronic data collection tools such as Fulcrum or Field Maps.

Responsibilities

Lead protocol and pre-construction desert tortoise surveys and monitoring, including handling, rehydration, and health assessments.
Lead and conduct focused burrowing owl surveys and monitoring, including passive relocation.
Lead and conduct focused American badger and desert kit fox surveys and monitoring.
Conduct general wildlife and botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping.
Identify and record native and non-native fauna and flora in the field.
Conduct other special-status species surveys using established protocols or guidelines.
Conduct avian nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring.
Support project execution, including pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring.
Assist with environmental compliance monitoring.
Oversee restoration crew work and monitor restoration vegetation performance.
Coordinate with team members and assist with work scheduling and other related duties.
Collect electronic field data and manage, interpret, and analyze data as needed.
Conduct fieldwork independently and as part of a team in inland and desert environments, including rugged terrain.
Keep assigned tasks on schedule and within budget.
Elevate compliance concerns to project or construction managers.
Clarify resource project requirements for compliance and construction teams.
Promote safety culture and follow Safe Work Plans.
Temporarily relocate to the California Desert region when required by an assignment.
Locate, identify, and report all forms of desert tortoise sign in accordance with approved protocols.
Handle and temporarily hold desert tortoises; relocate or translocate tortoises before project implementation.
Excavate burrows to locate tortoises or eggs, reconstruct burrows, and unearth and relocate eggs.
Review and approve desert tortoise monitors and their activities based on qualifications.
Directly supervise monitors during clearance surveys and train them in protecting tortoises during project implementation.
Be familiar with project biological assessments and biological opinions or incidental take permits.
Direct implementation of protective measures, record and report noncompliance, and halt project activities as required by applicable biological opinions or permits.

Benefits

Depending on employment status, benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability benefits.
Paid time off and leaves of absence.
Voluntary benefits and perks.
Flexible work options.
Well-being resources and an employee assistance program.
Business travel insurance.
Service recognition awards.
Retirement savings plan.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Training and development programs.