Biologist (On-Call)

Harris & Associates•San Diego, CA

39d•$30 - $43•Onsite

About The Position

Harris’ growing Environmental, Engineering and Consulting Division does industry-leading work in environmental planning and compliance, community planning and housing solutions, engineering design, municipal and district finance, and one water solutions. Harris continues to expand the scope of these services while also building new capabilities in planning, climate change/adaptation, hazard mitigation, resilience, and management consulting. If you are a passionate and motivated professional looking for a collaborative environment at a firm that invests heavily in your growth, you could be a perfect fit for Harris & Associates. Harris has an opening for an experienced on-call biologist and biological compliance monitor to join our Environmental Planning and Compliance Group. The on-call biologist and monitor will be responsible for conducting biological compliance monitoring, general and focused sensitive species surveys, and habitat assessments for sensitive species; and assisting with data collection, entry and management. The biologist must be capable of working in temperature extremes for long hours and be able to handle strenuous physical activity and conditions (i.e., hiking for hours a day while carrying equipment). The candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minimum of two years of work in the field of biological consulting/biological field science. A candidate with a Master’s degree can substitute one year of work. The successful candidate will have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and proven record of working collaboratively in a team environment. A test of practical skills may be given to final candidates.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years in the field of biological consulting/biological field science.
A Bachelor’s degree in Biology (a Master’s degree can substitute for one year of experience).
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience conducting focused nesting bird surveys and the ability to identify CA bird species and identify breeding/nesting bird behaviors as well as the knowledge to select appropriate protection buffers during compliance monitoring.
Experience with identification of southern California wildlife and plant species is required.
Experience with conducting construction monitoring, environmental compliance, and providing education programs to construction personnel is required.
Familiarity with construction operations and equipment. Ability to identify heavy equipment and describe practices occurring at a job site.
Ability to work collaboratively with construction personnel, the project biologist, environmental compliance manager, and project managers to develop solutions while implementing permit conditions.
Ability to manage personal workload weekly and communicating with project managers and project field schedulers availability for field work.
Proficient use of Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Google Earth, and other related software.
Must have access to a reliable vehicle and a valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
The Biologist must be capable of working in temperature extremes for long hours and be able to handle strenuous physical activity and conditions (i.e., hiking for hours a day while carrying equipment).

Nice To Haves

Experience with federal or state listed, candidate for listing, or otherwise considered sensitive species is preferred.
A Scientific Collecting Permit, CDFW MOU, and/or or USFWS 10a1A permit is preferred.
Experience with Survey 123, GPS units/software, ArcGIS, ArcCollector and/or sub-meter field data collection.
Ability to conduct jurisdictional aquatic resource delineations is a plus

Responsibilities

Conduct general biological reconnaissance surveys, habitat assessments, and general and focused (including protocol) species surveys. Assist with jurisdictional aquatic resources delineations.
Conduct nesting bird surveys and identify nesting and breeding behaviors by sight and sound and monitoring active nests in accordance with species-specific buffer requirements and permit conditions.
Perform biological compliance monitoring during construction.
Work with construction crews and project managers to document compliance levels related to associated project environmental permits, documents, and clearances.
Complete pre-construction surveys and focused resource surveys.
Provide sensitive species and habitat education programs to construction personnel.
Manage personal workload weekly and effectively communicate with environmental compliance managers, senior/project biologists, and/or project managers regarding field observations and any compliance concerns.
Collect data, take photographs, and fill out survey and monitoring forms to be submitted daily.
Assist with data collection, entry, and management.
Must be able to understand and interpret resource agency and regulatory agency permits and documents with compliance requirements.