Wildlife Biologist II/Arborist

TYPSA INC•Irvine, CA

24d

About The Position

We are currently seeking resumes from qualified, responsible, self-sufficient, energetic Wildlife Biologist’s currently holding an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification for our Irvine, California office. The ideal candidate will be motivated to develop and build their personal knowledge and skills to assist with the growth and success of the office and company. We offer a friendly, professional atmosphere with excellent benefits and a salary commensurate with experience. The position entails a mid-level biologist possessing general knowledge and experience with the assessment of impacts from various development projects on flora, fauna, and the natural environments in the Southwest US (California and Arizona). The ideal candidate can lead a small project team of biologists to conduct field assessments independently. This role will be a key link between entry level biologists and senior biologists. Essential qualifications for this position include beyond basic understanding of the natural systems of Southern California, including various habitat types, and vegetation communities. Desirable qualification includes a sound knowledge of California and Arizona regulatory agencies and their regulatory oversight of natural resources.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, botany, conservation biology, ecology, natural resources, or a closely related field
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the fields of wildlife or fisheries biology
ISA Certified Arborist
Field experience in the Southwest US with native threatened/endangered wildlife or plant species
References regarding experience will be required.
Knowledge of Southwest US (including California and Arizona) flora and fauna and natural communities.
Knowledge of Southwest US (including California and Arizona) regulatory agencies with oversight of natural resources.
Proficient understanding of the federal Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act.
Proficient understanding of the California Endangered Species Act, California Department of Fish and Game Section 1602, and California Environmental Quality Act.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, as well as computer hardware and software skills.
Ability to collaborate closely with fellow employees and clients.
Ability to work independently on one’s own initiative as well as a member of a diverse team.
Ability to foster a positive work environment and organize and progress multiple assignments.
Ability to pass a background check.
Valid driver's license, with the ability to maintain insurability under the company's insurance carrier

Nice To Haves

Experience with GPS equipment and GIS software or other spatial analysis tools.
Additional arborist certifications such as American Society of Certified Arborists (ASCA), ISA Certified Arborist Specialties (Municipal, Utilities, and Tree Risk Assessor), and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ).
Experience preparing environmental regulatory compliance documents such as biological assessments/evaluations.
Experience with Clean Water Action Sections 404 and 401 compliance and permitting.
Experience with the California Department of Fish and Game Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration agreements.
California linear project experience (utility line, transmission line, roadway, railway, etc.), is preferred
Survey and/or monitoring experience with the following species: Western burrowing owl, blunt nose leopard lizard, San Joaquin kit fox, Tipton kangaroo rat, giant kangaroo rat, and Swainson’s hawk.
Experience with and ability to lead nesting migratory bird surveys
Experience with and ability to lead native plant surveys
Attended an agency-led training for and experience surveying for protected species including but not limited to federally-listed, state-listed species, Bureau of Land Management sensitive species, and US Forest Service sensitive species.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute field surveys, data collection, and ecological assessments for diverse projects.
Conduct (pre-construction) wildlife/plant habitat assessments and surveys (including jurisdictional waters and wetlands).
Monitor construction activities and ensure compliance with applicable permit conditions
Review health and inventory plant material on construction sites
Assist with the development of plant salvage plans and documentation
Record and identify flora and flora.
Independently collect, compile, and analyze biological data collected in the field and/or from desktop research.
Prepare survey reports, habitat suitability assessments, and technical memorandums related to biological resources.
Under the guidance of a Senior Biologist, prepare biological assessment/evaluation reports, and various plans such as mitigation plans, habitat restoration plans, and habitat conservation plans.
Under the guidance of a Senior Biologist, prepare biological sections of various technical documents (such as CEQA and NEPA documents).
Prepare application packages for Clean Water Act Section 404 permits, Section 401 water quality certifications, and Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alterations.
Develop appropriate and feasible mitigation measures.
Collect, compile, and analyze geospatial data using GPS equipment and GIS software.
Other duties as assigned.