Senior Technical Biologist

WSP • Irvine, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Senior Biologist within our Irvine, Riverside and San Diego, CA. This role provides subject matter technical support and leadership 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. It provides guidance for multi-site/phase environmental work and environmental permitting projects, ensuring biological-related project elements and processes are conveyed and acted upon with a high level of quality and compliance. The position is responsible for providing situational guidance to PMs and managers that address current and future challenges associated with biological impact assessment, corrective/mitigation strategy, permitting, and/or restoration. The role also supervises onsite remediation and 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.
• 10+ 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.
• Highly proficient expertise with biology skills for a specific ecosystem(s), habitat(s), and/or applicable species.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Demonstrated technical competence leading environmental permitting of assigned projects within business sector (e.g. commercial, infrastructure, energy, etc.).
• Well-defined experience in conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with ASTM guidelines and industry standards.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Experienced with providing critical review for documents and preparing technical deliverables and plans with a high degree of complexity.
• Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with technical and business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Extensive 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.
• Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight with data collection efforts 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.
• Prepare, complete, and/or review 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.).
• Ensure technical reports and presentations explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore larger-scale biological challenges and complex problems.
• 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.
• Conduct and provide guidance on environmental site assessments (Phase I and II).
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, models, cross-sections, and other illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex and larger scale data, findings, or analyses.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore more complex or larger-scale biological problems.
• Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams in executing project work, permitting strategy, environmental impact assessments, field biology, and regulatory strategy, including project budgets, tracking hours and expenses, and task completion.
• Participate in the application process for environmental permits to address issues or concerns – undertaking any resulting corrective strategies.
• Provide high level oversite for desk-based research, fieldwork, and/or laboratory work, including measurements, data interpretation, and computer modeling.
• Coordinate with clients, resource agencies, and environmental and technical staff, providing a high level of strategic advice and subject matter expertise.
• Develop a client base for providing high level biological risk assessment services including identifying additional business development opportunities and engaging in proposal writing and submission.
• Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
• 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 insurance
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior