Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist – on-call

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

📋 Description

• Oversee protocol and pre-construction surveys and monitoring of desert tortoises.

• Manage, rehydrate, and perform health evaluations on desert tortoises.

• Lead and carry out specialized surveys and monitoring for burrowing owls, including passive relocation efforts.

• Direct and implement surveys and monitoring for American badgers and desert kit foxes.

• Conduct general wildlife and botanical assessments, including mapping of vegetation and habitats.

• Identify and document both native and non-native fauna and flora in the field.

• Execute surveys for special-status species in accordance with established protocols or guidelines.

• Perform avian nesting surveys and monitor avian mortality rates.

• Assist in project implementation through pre-construction surveys and construction oversight.

• Aid in monitoring environmental compliance.

• Supervise the work of restoration crews and track the performance of restored vegetation.

• Collaborate with team members and organize work schedules.

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

• Conduct survey and monitoring activities independently and collaboratively in inland and desert settings.

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

• Ensure assigned tasks are completed on time and within budget.

• Report any compliance issues to project or construction managers.

• Clarify project resource needs for compliance and construction teams.

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

• Locate, identify, and document desert tortoise signs per approved protocols.

• Handle and temporarily care for desert tortoises.

• Relocate or translocate desert tortoises prior to project initiation.

• Excavate and reconstruct burrows and locate tortoises or their eggs.

• Uncover and relocate desert tortoise eggs.

• Review and authorize activities of desert tortoise monitors.

• Supervise and train desert tortoise monitors during clearance surveys.

• Implement protective measures in accordance with biological opinions or permits.

• Document and report incidents of noncompliance.

• Suspend project activities as stipulated by biological opinions or permits.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology or ecology.

• 4 years of pertinent experience or equivalent experience working in desert environments within the desert tortoise's habitat, including training and/or experience in conducting surveys for listed species native to southern California desert regions, especially desert tortoise and burrowing owl.

• Valid US driver's license.

• Pre-employment verification of driving record.

• US Citizenship.

• Understanding of desert tortoise behavior, natural history, and ecology.

• Extensive field experience and training in conducting desert tortoise surveys and monitoring.

• Experience with focused burrowing owl surveys and monitoring.

• Background in biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, and oversight of biological construction.

• Familiarity with wildlife and plant species found in southern California.

• Capability to drive a 4-wheel-drive vehicle across challenging terrain.

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

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

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

• Willingness to be flexible and support various projects.

• Openness to temporarily relocate to the California Desert region based on assignment needs.

• Preferred: previous consulting experience.

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

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Life and AD&D insurance.

• Disability coverage.

• Paid time off.

• Leaves of absence.

• Optional benefits and perks.

• Flexible work arrangements.

• Resources for well-being.

• Employee assistance program.

• Business travel insurance.

• Recognition awards for service.

• Retirement savings plan.

• Employee stock purchase program.

• In-person onboarding from Day 1.

• Opportunities for training and development.

• Freedom to Grow initiative.

• Global technical practice network.

• Support for employee growth and career ambitions.