Authorized Special Status Species Field Biologist (CBB, QCB, WSP, SKR) - on call position

AECOM•San Diego, CA

12d•$42 - $54•Remote

About The Position

AECOM is hiring an Authorized Special Status Species Field Biologist for field-based work in southern California’s desert regions. This is a fully remote, on-call position linked to a Southern California office. The biologist must be able to stay local to field assignments for extended periods and may work independently or as part of a team in inland and desert environments, including rugged terrain. The role supports natural resource projects, with a focus on biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring for Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat. Other work may include vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and permitting implementation. The position works under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member. The work may include leading or conducting species surveys, monitoring, trapping, exclusion fencing, and relocation; conducting general wildlife and botanical surveys; supporting pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring; and assisting with environmental compliance and restoration monitoring. The biologist uses electronic field data collection methods and may manage, interpret, and analyze data. The role also involves keeping assigned tasks on schedule and budget, communicating project requirements and compliance concerns, coordinating work with team members, and promoting adherence to safety plans. AECOM intends to fill this current vacancy by January 29, 2027. Compensation is listed at $42.00–$54.00 per hour. Benefits may vary depending on employment status.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or ecology.
At least 4 years of relevant experience, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, working in southern California ecoregions and conducting surveys for locally listed species, particularly Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat.
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check in accordance with company policy.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Knowledge of southern California wildlife and plant species.
Flexibility and willingness to support multiple projects as needed.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Strong organizational and proactive communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to drive a 4-wheel-drive vehicle over difficult terrain.
Strong leadership and diplomacy skills.
Field experience with special-status species of southern California and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
Ability to work in field assignments for extended periods and in inland or desert environments, including rugged terrain.

Nice To Haves

Prior consulting experience; candidates without consulting experience but with relevant experience will also be considered.
Experience conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight.
Experience implementing USFWS biological opinions or Habitat Conservation Plans, CDFW incidental take permits, and/or California Environmental Quality Act Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs.
Prior approval as a biological monitor or designated biologist by USFWS and/or CDFW for Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat.
A 10(A)(1)(a) permit to conduct protocol surveys for Quino checkerspot butterfly and monitoring experience.
A 10(A)(1)(a) permit to conduct focused surveys for Stephen’s kangaroo rat, with at least 40 calendar nights of small mammal live-trapping, handling at least 40 individual Stephen’s kangaroo rats, and experience using exclusion fencing to salvage and exclude small mammals from construction work areas and/or performing small mammal translocations.
Substantial field experience conducting western spadefoot surveys and monitoring; ability to identify the species visually and vocally; handling and translocation experience; and experience with all life stages.
Substantial field experience conducting Crotch’s Bumble Bee surveys and monitoring.
Experience with electronic data collection tools such as Fulcrum and Field Maps.
A CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit and/or Memorandum of Understanding for Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, Stephen’s kangaroo rat, or other southern California State Listed Species.
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.

Responsibilities

Lead protocol and pre-construction surveys and monitoring for Crotch’s Bumble Bee and Quino checkerspot butterfly.
Lead and conduct focused western spadefoot surveys and monitoring, including exclusionary fencing, artificial watering to elicit movement responses, and relocation.
Lead and conduct focused Stephen’s kangaroo rat trapping surveys and monitoring, including exclusionary fencing, trapping, and relocation.
Conduct general wildlife and botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping.
Identify and record native and non-native fauna and/or flora in the field.
Conduct other special-status species surveys in accordance with 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 schedule work, and perform other related duties as assigned.
Use electronic data collection methods in the field; manage, interpret, and analyze data as needed.
Conduct monitoring and survey 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.
Elevate compliance concerns to project or construction managers.
Clarify resource project requirements for compliance and construction teams.
Promote a safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.