Wildlife Biologist

AECOM • Portland, OR

11h • Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a Wildlife Biologist (Biologist II) to join our Natural Resources team within AECOM's Environmental Permitting & Planning group. This is a full-time, hybrid position that will be based out of our Portland, OR office. In this role, you will conduct general wildlife surveys, protocol-level wildlife surveys, habitat mapping, and other field studies related to wildlife, vegetation, and wetlands using geographic information systems (GIS) technology. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to be responsible for projects that involve biological resources inventories and impact analysis; innovative mitigation and conservation planning; multi-disciplinary teamwork with biologists, planners, and restoration ecologists; and creative integration of natural resource analysis and project design.

Requirements

• BA/BS in Biology, Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education focusing on wildlife/natural resource projects, conducting wildlife field surveys, and writing summary reports.
• Applicant must be available and willing to work out of town as needed for field work.
• Valid U.S. Driver's license required for this role.
• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

• 3+ years of experience conducting wildlife surveys in Oregon and Washington.
• 3+ years of experience writing summary reports for field investigations in Oregon and Washington.
• Ability to identify common Pacific Northwest avian species by both sight and sound.
• Working knowledge of special-status wildlife in Oregon and Washington, and associated state and federal environmental protections.
• Ability and desire to perform fieldwork on potentially difficult terrain and during adverse weather conditions.
• Proven track record in following established wildlife survey protocols, managing field data, and leading field crews.
• Proven track record in utilizing GIS software to analyze spatial data, create field maps.
• Experience working with construction crews and field engineers.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional time management and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead wildlife surveys, potentially including vegetation and habitat mapping, throughout a variety of ecosystems in Washington and Oregon.
• Conduct special-status species surveys according to agency-approved protocols.
• Manage field teams and data collected during field work to ensure completeness and compliance with the survey approach.
• Travel across the Pacific Northwest to conduct field work.
• Develop final reports that describe field techniques and results that meet agency requirements.
• Assist with local, state, and federal permitting efforts.
• Assist in the development of special-status species permitting documents (e.g., ESA Section 7 biological assessments; etc.)
• Perform assignments requiring interpretation and application of federal, State, and local environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with diverse project teams, including coordinating with project managers, engineers, construction contractors, and specialists from a wide range of fields.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret ecological data, providing support for project reports and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate records of field observations and data collection processes.
• Utilize GIS software to map and analyze spatial data, develop survey plans, and contribute to habitat assessments and environmental impact studies.
• Work independently and as part of a team; be innovative and a problem solver.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Stay informed about current environmental regulations, conservation practices, and scientific advancements in the field.
• Conduct review of technical reports prepared by others.
• Prepare field survey plans, including the development of novel approaches.
• Collaborate with co-workers, clients, agency representatives, and others to ensure that AECOM’s approach reflects the latest developments in the field.
• Interface with clients and/or agencies to ensure tasks are completed according to client requests and/or applicable agency standards.
• Assist in botanical surveys and/or wetland delineations and permitting.

Benefits

• AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

What This Job Offers

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