Junior to Mid-Level Biologist

Ascent•Berkeley, CA

8d•$62,400 - $104,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Ascent is seeking a full-time Biologist to join our natural resources practice in our Berkeley office. In this role, you will use your biological training and analytical skills to solve challenging environmental problems. You will work as part of a team to guide projects through the regulatory compliance process, meet client objectives, and protect sensitive biological resources. A key aspect of this role involves preparing well-thought-out, concise, and clearly written reports to provide technically accurate, objective, and reliable information for land use planners, environmental regulators, and other decision-makers.

Requirements

BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, or a related field
Minimum of 2–3 years of relevant experience
Excellent analytical and writing abilities
Experience preparing reports that concisely describe biological conditions, clearly articulating analytical thinking and technical conclusions supported by evidence
Extensive knowledge of California habitats and wildlife species
Experience working on complex projects located throughout California and Nevada, including the Sierra Nevada, foothills, Central Valley, and coastal California
Willingness to travel for fieldwork and be away for several days at a time
Must be located within a reasonable distance (e.g., less than 1 hour commute time) of the office to facilitate site visits
Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship

Responsibilities

Conduct reconnaissance-level surveys of existing biological conditions for infrastructure projects to identify sensitive habitats or habitats that support threatened or endangered species.
Prepare land cover maps of project sites and assess potential wildlife habitat.
Author biological resource sections of CEQA or NEPA documents, evaluating potential environmental impacts and developing mitigation measures.
Travel to project sites to monitor compliance with environmental protection measures.
Participate in kick-off meetings with other environmental professionals for complex projects affecting multiple environmental resource areas.
Prepare notifications according to agency standards to obtain a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement or Clean Water Act Nationwide Permit.
Discuss with a project manager how proposed project activities may affect sensitive species or wetlands, providing objective analysis of potential impacts and identifying ways impacts could be avoided or minimized.
Conduct surveys for nesting birds on project sites and establish buffers to protect active nests during construction.
Work within agreed timeframes and budgets to identify biological constraints to projects.
Contribute to project success by providing excellent service and high-quality technical information to clients.
Participate in in-house training sessions about current natural resource science topics, best practices, or regulatory changes.