Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist – on-call

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Perform protocol and pre-construction surveys and monitoring for desert tortoises.

• Manage, rehydrate, and evaluate the health of desert tortoises.

• Execute targeted burrowing owl surveys and monitoring, including passive relocation methods.

• Carry out surveys and monitoring for American badgers and desert kit foxes.

• Conduct wildlife, botanical, vegetation, and habitat mapping surveys.

• Identify and document both native and non-native fauna and flora.

• Implement special-status species surveys in accordance with established protocols.

• Perform avian nesting surveys and monitor for avian mortality.

• Assist with pre-construction surveys and ongoing construction monitoring.

• Support environmental compliance monitoring efforts.

• Supervise restoration crew activities and assess the performance of restoration vegetation.

• Collaborate with team members and manage work schedules.

• Collect, manage, interpret, and analyze electronic field data.

• Conduct fieldwork both independently and as part of a team in diverse inland and desert environments, including rugged terrain.

• Operate under the guidance of a senior project manager or senior-level team member.

• Ensure that assigned tasks remain on schedule and within budget.

• Raise compliance concerns to project or construction managers as necessary.

• Clarify compliance and construction team requirements for resource projects.

• Foster a culture of safety and adhere to Safe Work Plans.

• Be prepared for temporary relocations to California Desert locations based on assignment needs.

• Directly supervise desert tortoise monitors during clearance surveys.

• Train monitors on measures to protect desert tortoises during project execution.

• Oversee the implementation of protective measures.

• Document and report any incidents of noncompliance.

• Suspend project activities in accordance with biological opinions or permits.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (biology, ecology, etc.).

• Four years of relevant experience or equivalent background working in desert environments within the range of the desert tortoise, with training and/or experience in conducting surveys for listed species native to southern California desert regions, particularly desert tortoise and burrowing owl.

• Must be a US Citizen.

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

• Prior consulting experience is preferred.

• Experience in conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring along with biological construction oversight.

• Field experience with special-status species in southern California or Nevada, along with knowledge of regulatory requirements.

• Significant field experience and training to conduct desert tortoise surveys and monitoring.

• Substantial field experience for conducting focused burrowing owl surveys.

• Familiarity with implementing USFWS biological opinions and CDFW incidental take permits.

• Knowledge of the Desert Tortoise (Mojave Population) Field Manual (USFWS 2009).

• Understanding of wildlife and plant species in southern California.

• Possession of a 10(A)(1)(a) permit for listed species in southern California and Nevada.

• Ability to operate a 4-wheel-drive vehicle over challenging terrain.

• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.

• Experience with construction-related transmission and/or utility projects.

• Knowledge of regulatory and permitting requirements under the federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, NEPA, CEQA, and the Clean Water Act.

• Flexibility to assist with multiple projects.

• Strong organizational skills and proactive communication abilities.

• Experience with electronic data collection tools such as Fulcrum and Field Maps.

• Comprehensive knowledge of desert tortoise behavior, natural history, and ecology.

• Ability to locate, identify, and document desert tortoise signs following approved protocols.

• Skills in handling, temporarily holding, relocating, and translocating desert tortoises.

• Ability to excavate and reconstruct desert tortoise burrows and relocate eggs as needed.

• Capability to review, approve, supervise, and train desert tortoise monitors.

• Familiarity with biological assessments, biological opinions, and incidental take permits.

• Ability to implement protective measures, report noncompliance issues, and suspend project activities as required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

• Disability benefits.

• Paid time off.

• Leaves of absence.

• Voluntary benefits and perks.

• Flexible work options.

• Resources for well-being.

• Employee assistance program.

• Business travel insurance.

• Awards for service recognition.

• Retirement savings plan.

• Employee stock purchase plan.

• Award-winning training and development initiatives.

• In-person onboarding on Day 1 at an AECOM office location.