Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist - (on-call)

AECOM•San Diego, CA

12d•$42 - $54•Remote

About The Position

AECOM is seeking an experienced Authorized Desert Tortoise Field Biologist for field assignments in the southern and central California desert regions. This is a field-based, fully remote, on-call role linked to a Southern California office. The position supports natural resource projects, primarily through biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring focused on desert tortoise and/or burrowing owl, and may also include vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and permitting implementation with support from junior biologists. The work may be performed independently or as part of a team in inland and desert environments, including rugged terrain. The role works under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member and may require temporary relocation to the California Desert region for assignments. An authorized biologist must have thorough knowledge of desert tortoise behavior, natural history, and ecology, along with substantial field experience and training. The work may include locating and reporting tortoise sign, handling and temporarily holding tortoises, relocating or translocating tortoises, excavating and reconstructing burrows, relocating eggs, supervising and training monitors, reviewing monitor qualifications, implementing protective measures, documenting noncompliance, and halting project activities as required by applicable biological opinions or permits. The position requires a related bachelor's degree, at least four years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalent experience, a valid driver's license, and the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check. U.S. citizenship is required. The role is on-call and the posting describes the position as fully remote, while noting that field assignments require the ability to be local for extended periods. Compensation is $42.00–$54.00 per hour. AECOM intends to fill this current vacancy by January 29, 2027.

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 under 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 conduct authorized activities safely and successfully.
Ability to be local to field assignments for extended periods and willingness to temporarily relocate to the California Desert region as assignments require.
Ability to conduct fieldwork independently and as part of a team, including in rugged terrain.
Strong leadership, diplomacy, organization, and proactive communication skills.
Flexibility and willingness to support multiple projects as needed.

Nice To Haves

Prior consulting experience; candidates without consulting experience may be considered if they have relevant experience.
Experience conducting biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, and biological construction oversight.
Field experience with special-status species in southern California or Nevada and knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements.
Substantial field experience and training conducting desert tortoise surveys and monitoring.
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.
Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.
Experience on construction-associated transmission and/or utility projects.
Familiarity with permitting and regulatory 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 and 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 according to applicable protocols or guidelines.
Conduct avian nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring.
Support project execution through pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring.
Assist with environmental compliance monitoring.
Oversee restoration crew work and monitor restoration vegetation performance.
Coordinate with team members, schedule work, and perform other related duties as assigned.
Use electronic field data collection methods 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.
Ensure assigned tasks remain on schedule and within budget.
Escalate compliance concerns to project or construction managers.
Clarify resource project requirements for compliance and construction teams.
Promote a safety culture and adhere to Safe Work Plans.
Locate, identify, and report desert tortoise sign according to approved protocols.
Handle and temporarily hold desert tortoises; relocate or translocate tortoises before project implementation.
Excavate burrows to locate tortoises or eggs, reconstruct tortoise burrows, and unearth and relocate eggs.
Review and approve desert tortoise monitors and their activities based on qualifications; directly supervise and train monitors during clearance surveys.
Apply knowledge of biological assessments, biological opinions, and incidental take permits to direct protective measures.
Record and report noncompliance and halt project activities as required by applicable biological opinions or permits.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability benefits, depending on employment status.
Paid time off and leaves of absence, depending on employment status.
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.
Award-winning training and development programs.