Field Ecologist

Join the 'Ohana•San Antonio, TX

12h•Onsite

About The Position

DAWSON is seeking an entry-level Field Ecologist to join their conservation and planning team. This is a full-time (40-hours per week) position involving work on multiple field projects throughout the U.S., with a primary focus in the southwest, but assignments can extend to other areas. The ideal candidate should be motivated, a self-starter, safety-oriented, and possess two years of previous field experience as an ecologist, biologist, or botanist. Candidates should be familiar with common field survey methods, vegetation inventory, and habitat restoration techniques. Experience in surveying for wildlife, rare plants, wetland delineations, environmental monitoring, raptor, and MBTA surveys is required. The role demands comfort working around heavy equipment, the ability to work independently, a clean driving record, successful completion of a background check, proficiency in using GPS and tablets for documenting environmental and project information, and the capability to prepare survey reports and support project managers when not in the field.

Requirements

BS in ecology, biological sciences or related field.
Two years of directly related biological/ecological experience supporting field projects.
Two years experience surveying for wildlife, or rare plants, or conducting wetland delineations, environmental monitoring, raptor and MBTA surveys.
Ability to document important field findings accurately.
Be willing to work in inclement weather conditions (extreme heat, rain, or cold) and possibly traverse steep terrain in some locations.
Candidates must be able to work independently.
The position requires the successful candidate to be in the field for several, typically non-consecutive weeks during the growing season (travel estimated to be 50% during the growing season), and less frequently outside of the growing season.
Effective written/verbal communication and organization/analytical skills.
Familiarity understanding taxonomy and have good plant identification skills for areas in the southwest.
Ability to multi-task, maintain flexibility, travel, and work independently as well as with supervision.
Must possess a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record.
Able to pass a federal background check.
Able to pass a drug test.

Nice To Haves

experience recording/writing detailed technical data and reports a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct botanical, wildlife, pre-construction surveys for nesting birds, and/or wetland delineations with at least one other biologist across a variety of diverse terrains and weather conditions.
Perform presence/absence and protocol-level surveys for specialized species, requiring Recovery permits as needed.
Utilize ESRI software and other tools for data collection, quality control (QC), and report writing.
Provide biological desktop reviews, create permitting packages, assist with GIS mapping, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
Assist with proposal submissions and various project planning.
Maintain open and concise communication with the project team, contractors, and clients.
Assist with the preparation of technical studies, daily monitoring reports, and compliance documentation.
Collect project-related data, which may include supporting surveys for listed species; surveying out in front of construction, document potential environmental best management practices non-compliance and working with Government Point of Contact on certain projects.
Effectively communicate with a variety of personnel working on the project, including clients, engineers, stakeholders, government personnel, land owners, construction personnel, and colleagues.