Senior Field Biologist

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Senior Field Biologist for immediate parttime on call employment in the southern/central California and Nevada desert regions. This position would support numerous natural resource projects in the Mojave Desert region of California and Nevada with a focus on conducting biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring primarily for desert tortoise and/or burrowing owl with potential to assist with vegetation mapping wildlife assessments habitat restoration and/or permitting implementation with support from junior biologists. This is a fieldbased fully remote position requiring the ability to be local on field assignments for extended periods but linked to a Southern Californiabased office.  

Training and/or experience conducting surveys for listed species local to southern California and Nevada desert regions including desert tortoise burrowing owl Mojave fringetoed lizard and Mojave ground squirrel is preferred.

The responsibilities of this position could include a subset of those listed below based on relevant experience:

• Lead protocol and preconstruction desert tortoise surveys and monitoring.
• Lead and conduct focused burrowing owl surveys and monitoring including passive relocation.
• Lead and conduct focused American badger and desert kit fox surveys and monitoring.
• Conduct general wildlife and/or botanical surveys including vegetation and habitat mapping.
• Identify and record native and nonnative fauna and/or flora in the field.
• Conduct other specialstatus species surveys following established protocols or guidelines as relevant.
• Conduct avian species nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring.
• Support project including preconstruction surveys and construction monitoring.
• Assist with environmental compliance monitoring.
• Provide oversight of restoration crew work and restoration vegetation performance monitoring.  
• Perform other related duties assigned such as coordination with team members scheduling of work etc.
• Utilize electronic data collection methods in the field; manage interpret and analyze data as needed.
• Conduct monitoring and survey fieldwork as part of a team and independently in inland and desert environments which can include rugged terrain.
• Work under the supervision of a senior project manager or seniorlevel team member.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Elevate compliance concerns to project or construction managers. 
• Provide clarification of resource project requirements to the compliance and construction teams.
• Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.

Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist

To be approved by the USFWS to conduct activities that may result in take of the desert tortoise an authorized biologist should have thorough knowledge of desert tortoise behavior natural history and ecology and demonstrate substantial field experience and training to successfully:

• Locate identify and report all forms of desert tortoise sign in accordance with approved protocols.
• Handle and temporarily hold desert tortoises.
• Relocate/translocate desert tortoises prior to implementation of projects.
• Excavate burrows to locate desert tortoises or eggs.
• Reconstruct desert tortoise burrows.
• Unearth and relocate desert tortoise eggs.
• Review and approve individual desert tortoise monitors and their activities based on qualifications of the monitors.
• Directly supervise desert tortoise monitors during clearance surveys and train monitors in all aspects of protecting desert tortoises during implementation of projects.
• Be familiar with project biological assessments and biological opinions or incidental take permits.
• Direct proper implementation of protective measures.
• Record and report incidents of noncompliance in accordance with a biological opinion or permit.
• Halt project activities per provisions of the biological opinion or permit.

About AECOMs Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a welldeveloped worldwide internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industryleading world class environmental firm and we want you to succeed within it.  We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.

AECOM is known for our awardwinning technical excellence leadingedge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the worlds most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects are diverse and interesting. They span market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wideranging environmental problems within diverse community profiles.

AECOMs Sustainable Legacies program describes our approach to the environment social equity and governance (ESG. We embed sustainability throughout our business and help clients embed sustainable practices into their work. We help clients reduce their impact on the environment achieve compliance and reduce risks.

Qualifications :

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in related field (biology ecology etc..
• 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education working in desert environments within the range of the desert tortoise.
• Ability to safely drive to job sites; valid driver license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior consulting experience preferred but nonconsultant candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight.
• Field experience with special status species of southern California or Nevada and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Possess a 10(A)1(a) permit for listed species local to southern California and Nevada
• Ability to drive a 4wheel drive vehicle over difficult terrain.
• Familiarity with mitigation monitoring and reporting programs.
• Experience on constructionassociated transmission and/or utility projects.
• Familiarity with regulatory and permitting requirements under the federal Endangered Species Act California Endangered Species Act NEPA CEQA and the Clean Water Act.
• Substantial field experience and training to safely and successfully conduct desert tortoise surveys and monitoring.
• Substantial field experience to conduct focused burrowing owl surveys
• Experience implementing the terms and conditions of USFWS biological opinions and CDFW incidental take permits.
• Completion of Introduction to Mojave Desert Tortoise course from the Desert Tortoise Council (or equivalent).
• Familiarity with the Desert Tortoise (Mojave Population) Field Manual (USFWS 2009.
• Knowledge of southern California and/or southern Nevada wildlife and plant species.
• Flexibility and willingness to support multiple projects as needed.
• Ability to work in a fastpaced dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with electronic data collection (Fulcrum Field Maps etc..

Additional Information :

• Due to the nature of the work US Citizenship is required.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options wellbeing resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public and privatesector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects both in your local community and on a global scale that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cuttingedge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our awardwinning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Parttime