Senior Biologist

WSP•Riverside, CA

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Senior Biologist within our California Region. Provides technical assistance and guidance for the collection, identification, compiling, and analysis of observational and spatial data concerning a variety of vegetation, wetland, wildlife, marine, terrestrial, botanical, and/or avian species. Provides support and guidance for multi-site/phase environmental work and environmental permitting projects. Develops processes and infrastructure relating to water supply, air emission, pollution control, and preserving the environment. Substantiates documentation to advise on project areas, habitat types, associated landforms, movement, outcome, and biological risks/impact. Assists project leadership with biological impact assessment, corrective/mitigation strategy development, permitting, and/or restoration activities. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
5 to 7 years of experience working as a biologist and completing biological surveys (e.g. vegetation, wetlands, wildlife, avian, marine), fieldwork, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, and/or construction monitoring.
Prior experience with GIS software and Trimble GPS units and ability to use technology for data collection.
Possess demonstrated biology skills with specific ecosystem, habitat, and/or applicable species experience required.
Working knowledge and experience with State and Federal protection regulations, guidelines, and consulting processes pertaining to the specific biology position.
Familiarity with local, state, and federal permitting agencies.
Demonstrated experience contributing to biological technical reports, preparing environmental impact evaluations, siting reports, and environmental permit applications, including field surveys and reporting, and resource and impact evaluations.
Demonstrated experience conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
Proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree is preferred.
40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

Responsibilities

Determine well-defined data collection methods for identifying and compiling observational and spatial data concerning a variety of vegetation, wetland, wildlife, marine, terrestrials, botanical, and/or avian species, as well as biological/environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, sludge, and other matrices for projects, investigations, and surveys.
Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms.
Prepare and assist with completing biological survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act permitting, CEQA, NEPA, etc.).
Comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to the data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, reporting, and record compliance and retention.
Perform professional biology work and conduct investigations, inspections, and environmental studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular environmental problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future environmental needs.
Assist with environmental site assessments (Phase I and II).
Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore biological problems.
Oversee equipment/tool performance and inventory control.
Provide biological and environmental risk identification and impact assessment, offering input with moderate to high-level threat mitigation and permitting activities.
Assist with development and scoping of medium-sized projects.
Assist with overseeing and working with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
Project management experience with small to mid-level projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work.
Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
Conduct research as appropriate and assist with proposal development.
Remain current in latest biology subject matter and techniques.
Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
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.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
disability
life
retirement savings
paid sick leave
paid vacation (or other personal time)
paid parental leave
paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.