On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner

WSP•Albuquerque, NM

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

At WSP, we are inspired by bringing together the right people to be part of future-focused business objectives that support our diverse client base. Ethical environmental systems and sound project delivery are foundational to shaping a sustainable future. Through environmental consulting, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, we help clients understand project impacts and meet regulatory requirements. Our Planning & Environment group is seeking an On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or El Paso, Texas. This position will support a diverse range of environmental planning, biological field survey, permitting, and compliance projects across the Desert Southwest.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science (Botany, Wildlife Biology, etc.), Natural Resource Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
3 to 5 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, completing environmental field surveys for plants and animals, construction support, impact assessments, and permitting.
Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Effective analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species required.
Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
Proficient technical writing skills
Proficient interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
Proficiency identifying plants and wildlife of the Desert Southwest.
Experience with discipline-specific software (Microsoft Office Suite).
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
Ability and willingness to travel, work outdoors in remote locations, and maintain project-specific schedules that may extend beyond the typical workweek.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in planning, resource management, environmental science, biology, or a related field
Growing industry knowledge through participating in local professional practice organization
Exposure to ArcGIS
Experience working with tribal, federal, state, or local agencies or the public
May participate in and conduct field delineation of wetlands and waters of the US or other field or permitting activities
Experience conducting protocol surveys for special status species, particularly avian raptors and endangered plants
Exposure to creating, editing, and analyzing information within Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to produce maps and spatial analysis for a variety of topic areas, including: natural resources, land use / land cover, ecotypes, habitat, etc.
Familiarity with rules and regulations related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Endangered Species Act; Migratory Bird Treaty Act; Clean Water Act; and state and local environmental rules and regulations and related reporting requirements (e.g., Environmental Assessments; Biological Assessments; Reclamation Plans; Pre-Construction Notifications; reclamation and restoration regulations)
Eager to participate in land management to promote responsible, sustainable development of oil and gas projects, renewable energy infrastructure, roads and bridges, and more.

Responsibilities

Conduct biological field surveys, habitat assessments, desktop reviews, and environmental data collection under appropriate supervision.
Identify plants, wildlife, and sensitive habitats characteristic of the Desert Southwest.
Support surveys for special-status species, including endangered plants and avian species.
Assist with environmental planning, permitting, impact assessments, construction monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
Contribute to natural resource sections of environmental assessments, biological evaluations, technical memoranda, permit applications, and related environmental documents.
Prepare accurate and defensible survey reports, technical memoranda, field documentation, and supporting materials.
Maintain field notes, photographs, geographic data, species observations, project files, and tracking tools in accordance with project quality requirements.
Coordinate field activities and project requirements with project managers, technical specialists, subcontractors, and agency or tribal representatives.
Maintain awareness of applicable environmental regulations, agency guidance, survey protocols, and regulatory changes.
Follow applicable health and safety requirements when working outdoors, traveling, and conducting work in remote locations.
Perform other duties as required by project and business needs.
Up to 80% travel may be required, primarily to southeastern New Mexico, typically for field assignments lasting 2 to 6 days.
Responsible for understanding regulatory rules and rule changes.
Provide occasional guidance to junior staff or interns and support effective project delivery.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Prepare clear, accurate, and defensible technical memoranda, survey reports, environmental documentation, and supporting materials.
Maintain working knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements, agency guidance, survey protocols, and relevant rule changes.
Other duties as required by business needs.