Biologist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in field biology, botany, ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Central Valley plant and wildlife species, including identification of special-status species and sensitive habitats.
• Relevant professional certifications or demonstrated previous agency approval to conduct focused surveys or monitoring of special-status species in the Central Valley.
• Experience conducting aquatic resource delineations and assessments, special-status species surveys, construction monitoring, and permit compliance.
• Substantial experience preparing and processing environmental permit applications and coordinating with federal, State, and regional regulatory agency staff.
• Strong understanding of CEQA, NEPA, the federal and California Endangered Species Acts, and related biological resource requirements.
• Experience with Section 7 consultation and preparation or review of biological assessments and supporting documentation.
• Excellent technical writing, editing, organization, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to understand client objectives and develop practical strategies that advance projects while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Experience preparing project scopes, schedules, and budgets, and managing staff assignments and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to mentor junior staff and provide clear technical guidance and quality-control review.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work within established schedules and budgets.
• Valid California driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites and agency meetings throughout the Central Valley as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Current 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permits for Central Valley species.
• Established relationships with Central Valley clients and agency personnel.
• At least five years of experience supporting water infrastructure, flood-control, transportation, agricultural, restoration, and/or public works projects in the Central Valley.
• Business development and networking experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead biological site assessments, focused field surveys, impact analyses, and preparation of technical reports, including due diligence assessments, biological resource assessments, aquatic resource assessments and delineations, and related documents.
• Identify potential project effects on special-status species, sensitive natural communities, wetlands, and other aquatic resources.
• Develop practical and defensible avoidance, minimization, mitigation, monitoring, and compliance measures to address project-related effects.
• Prepare, obtain, and manage compliance with regulatory permits from agencies including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and California State Lands Commission.
• Submit permit applications and supporting materials through agency platforms, including EPIMS and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Request System (RSS).
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulatory definitions, permitting requirements, and processes, including waters of the U.S. and State; California Fish and Game Code Section 1602; Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404; Rivers and Harbors Act Section 408; Central Valley Flood Protection Board encroachment permits; California State Lands Commission leases and approvals; Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation; and other applicable federal and State biological resource requirements.
• Coordinate and communicate with clients, engineers, environmental planners, regulatory agencies, technical specialists, and stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain project schedules.
• Support CEQA and NEPA environmental review, including preparation and review of biological resource sections and supporting technical documentation.
• Manage multiple projects, including scopes of work, budgets, schedules, deliverables, staff assignments, and quality-control reviews of technical documents prepared by other staff.
• Provide clients with clear, responsive, solution-oriented guidance on environmental constraints, regulatory requirements, and permitting strategies.
• Mentor and oversee junior biologists and permitting staff by providing technical direction, reviewing work products, and supporting professional development.
• Assist with proposal preparation, business development, and efforts to expand LSA’s biological resources and regulatory permitting practice in the Central Valley.

Benefits

• Medical insurance for eligible employees.
• Dental insurance for eligible employees.
• Vision insurance for eligible employees.
• Long-term disability insurance for eligible employees.
• Group life and AD&D insurance for eligible employees.
• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
• Profit Sharing and Savings Plan with a 401(k) safe harbor match.
• Professional development, training, and enrichment opportunities.