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

AECOM•San Diego, CA

11d•Remote

About The Position

AECOM is hiring an Authorized Special Status Species Field Biologist for immediate employment in the southern California desert regions. This is a field-based, fully remote, on-call position linked to a Southern California office. The role requires being local to field assignments for extended periods and supports natural resource projects, primarily biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring for Crotch’s bumble bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat. Depending on experience, the biologist may also assist with vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, permitting implementation, and support for junior biologists. The biologist may lead or conduct species surveys and monitoring, support construction and environmental compliance activities, collect and analyze field data, and coordinate with project teams. Work may be conducted independently or as part of a team in inland and desert environments, including rugged terrain. The position works under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member and is expected to keep assigned tasks on schedule and budget, raise compliance concerns, clarify project requirements for compliance and construction teams, and promote safe work practices. AECOM’s Environment business line offers access to a global technical practice network and describes its work as focused on technical excellence, science, innovative project delivery, and sustainable solutions. The company states that it offers comprehensive benefits, with availability depending on employment status. The posting states that AECOM intends to fill this current vacancy by January 29, 2027. Newly hired employees must attend in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office as a condition of employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as biology or ecology.
Four years of relevant experience, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, working in southern California ecoregions and conducting surveys for listed species local to southern California, 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 due to the nature of the work.
Strong organizational and proactive communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Flexibility and willingness to support multiple projects as needed.

Nice To Haves

Prior consulting experience; candidates with relevant non-consulting 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.
Previous 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.
At least 40 calendar nights conducting small mammal live-trapping surveys and experience handling at least 40 individual Stephen’s kangaroo rats.
Experience using exclusion fencing to salvage and exclude small mammals from construction areas and/or performing small mammal translocations.
Substantial field experience conducting western spadefoot surveys and monitoring; visual and vocal identification skills; experience handling and translocating western spadefoot across all life stages.
Substantial field experience conducting Crotch’s bumble bee surveys and monitoring.
Knowledge of southern California wildlife and plant species.
Experience with electronic data collection tools such as Fulcrum or Field Maps.
Field experience with special-status species of southern California and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
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.
Ability to drive a 4-wheel-drive vehicle over difficult terrain.
Strong leadership and diplomacy skills.
Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.
Experience on construction-associated transmission and/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.

Responsibilities

Lead protocol and pre-construction Crotch’s bumble bee and Quino checkerspot butterfly surveys and monitoring.
Lead and conduct focused western spadefoot surveys and monitoring, including installing exclusionary fencing, artificial watering to elicit movement, and relocation.
Lead and conduct focused Stephen’s kangaroo rat trapping surveys and monitoring, including installing exclusionary fencing, trapping, and relocation.
Conduct general wildlife and/or 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 using established protocols or guidelines as relevant.
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 conduct restoration vegetation performance monitoring.
Perform related duties such as coordinating with team members and scheduling work.
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.
Keep assigned tasks on schedule and budget under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member.
Elevate compliance concerns to project or construction managers.
Clarify resource project requirements for compliance and construction teams.
Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.

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, depending on employment status.
Flexible work options, depending on employment status.
Well-being resources and employee assistance program.
Business travel insurance.
Service recognition awards.
Retirement savings plan.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Training and development programs.