Principal Biologist

Parsons•Fresno, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Parsons is a leader in engineering, designing and managing the construction of roads and highways throughout California. We are hiring colleagues with an entrepreneurial spirit who thrive on professional challenges in a high energy environment. We have a position for a Staff Biologist working in a part- or full-time capacity to mostly work as a field biologist, based in Central Valley, California. The Biologist will perform a variety of complex professional tasks to communicate and assess the effect of transportation and other infrastructure projects on natural resources.

Requirements

Bachelors’ and/or Masters’ degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in animal biology, plant biology, ecology, fisheries management or wildlife management.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in environmental analysis and planning, research or evaluation of natural science elements is preferred.
Biological work in a field setting is required.
A doctorate degree in one of the natural sciences above may be substituted for the 3 years of experience and a master’s degree in one of the natural sciences, defined in education above, may be substituted for 2 years of experience.
Knowledge of various governmental organizations as they relate to environmental planning and methods and techniques of evaluation of environmental impacts and GIS/GPS technologies.
Proficiency in local, state and federal regulations pertaining to endangered species and environmental protection.
Ability to coordinate environmental planning, research, and analysis of proposed projects.
Willingness to work on small- and large-scale projects and provide technical support as needed on a variety of projects; willingness to cross-train and broaden personal skills and experiences on a variety of projects that may include work in other Parsons business units.
Adapt and apply formal natural sciences methods and principles to planning problems of an applied practical nature.
Gather and analyze data and prepare written reports and visual displays.

Nice To Haves

Experience and permits related to California Tiger Salamander, San Joaquin Kit Fox, Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard, Tipton Kangaroo Rat, Giant Kangaroo Rat, Swainson’s Hawk, and similar species is recommended.

Responsibilities

Perform and evaluate databases and literature searches for determining potential impacts to special status species.
Use computer skills to prepare biological reports (e.g., Memorandums to File, Natural Environment Studies, Biological Assessments, Biological Evaluations, Wetland Delineations, etc.) and review relevant biological reports prepared by others.
Interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data.
Evaluate projects with respect to relevant biological laws and regulations for determining impacts on wetlands, endangered species, and other biological resources.
Perform field surveys for special-status plant and animal species and prepare mitigation planning and monitoring reports. Field surveys include, but are not limited to walking transects, trapping, collecting specimens, digging soil pits, and visually identifying plant and animal species.
Complete protocol level surveys for these species and be recognized by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies, as qualified to perform these surveys.
Direct individuals or teams responsible for preparation of biological studies to the standards necessary for state and federal endangered species clearances.
Field reviews of proposed projects and preparation of documents for planning purposes.
Preparation of permit applications such as streambed alteration agreements and Clean Water Act permits.
May be responsible for conducting wetlands delineation or other evaluations of aquatic resources.
Prepare clear visual displays, such as maps, graphs, and illustrations.
The Biologist will be responsible for any of the above biological study and environmental permitting tasks as assigned.
If the Biologist has supporting education and experience, they could additionally be assigned tasks that can include non-biological resources work, project management and business development.
This may include, but not be limited to, preparation of environmental technical studies that do not include biological resources (i.e., other CEQA/NEPA evaluations as needed).