On-Call Biologist

Job Description

Job Description

AZTEC is seeking an On-Call/Flexible Part-Time Biologist to support the California High Speed Rail (HSR) project in the Bakersfield/Fresno/Tulare region of California. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project.

The primary role of the biologist candidate is to monitor, report, and document pre-construction and construction activities associated with the HSR project. The candidate must have sound field working knowledge with experience in monitoring minor pre-construction activities as well as larger construction activities, communication, technical field, and writing skills, as well as strong organizational and logistical skills. The role will be to conduct regulatory compliance monitoring of construction activities, which will involve working effectively with pre-construction and construction crews.

This is a variable hour role, which means for the first six months of employment, the hours worked per week are unclear to be determine at the date of hire.

Duties:

• Conducting environmental inspections for special status wildlife and plants, nesting bird surveys, biological assessments, wetland delineation and classification, and construction monitoring
• Building and maintaining productive professional and personal networking relationships
• Communicating with regulatory agencies, field biologists, construction crews to complete reporting requirements
• Applying Health and Safety policies and procedures as appropriate
• Use of GPS units and aerial photographs for project navigation and collecting field data.
• Taking photographs and detailed notes of site conditions
• Understanding of project environmental requirements and associated laws protecting biological resources
• Understanding of project communication protocols
• Preparation of high-quality technical reports and environmental documents
• Frequent field work, often requiring overnight stays

Job Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Skills):

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, botany, biology, ecology, natural resources, or closely related.
• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience working in a similar field-based position
• Field experience in California’s Central Valley’s native threatened/endangered wildlife or plant species
• Knowledge of Blunt-nosed leopard lizard (BNLL) natural history, habitat and ecology
• Proof of California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) approval as a Level II BNLL Surveyor
• Familiarity with CDFW’s BNLL survey protocol
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience with other San Joaquin Valley species such as San Joaquin kit fox, Swainson’s hawk, burrowing owl, giant kangaroo rat/Tipton kangaroo rat, and/or San Joaquin antelope squirrel.
• Knowledge and experience preparing and providing Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training
• Experience with delineation, installation, and maintenance of wildlife exclusion fences, environmentally sensitive areas, no work buffers, or wildlife exclusion zones.
• Experience preparing environmental regulatory compliance documents such as biological compliance monitoring reports
• General understanding of the federal Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Clean Water Act
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• General computer hardware and software skills.
• Proficiency with GIS software and GPS equipment is preferred
• Be able to pass a drug screening and background check
• Ability to pass a background check
• Valid Driver's License, with the ability to maintain insurability under the company's insurance carrier.

Competencies (To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies):

• Communicative – interacts openly with others; can maintain relationships, works well independently or with a team.
• Consultative - Consults with other disciplines as needed; tolerates different perspectives or opinions.
• Decisive & Action Oriented - Has a high level of energy and stamina; gets things done; makes sound educated but rapid decisions even when short of information; enjoys managing challenging projects and works well in fast-paced and pressure environments. Self-motivated and proactive
• Flexible - Adapts to new challenges and circumstances; able to multi-task; thrives on variety and frequently changing environments; creative problem solver. Resourcefulness, with minimal direction.
• Analytical – Uses sound data, and procedures, and follows all laws, rules, and regulations but is a solutionist or problem-solver.
• Conscientious and Organized – Believes professional integrity is paramount; understands the importance of project records; responsive to clients and deadline oriented; quality oriented.

Working Conditions and Environment:

Will need the ability to establish rapport quickly with others working on the same project, and be able to promote a positive team environment. Working knowledge of dealing with a diverse population while using tact, diplomacy, and respect.

AZTEC Culture:

• Action oriented and flexible
• Zealous supporter of clients and teammates
• Thinking toward future and personal growth
• Equitable, inclusive, and diverse
• Collaborative comradery

AZTEC Benefits:

AZTEC offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Paid-time-Off, and a 401(k) plan.

AZTEC Overview:

AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc. (AZTEC) is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and provides diversified technical and consulting services to clients in the United States. AZTEC is part of the TYPSA Group, an international consulting engineering firm with over 3,700 employees and more than 50 offices worldwide providing multidisciplinary consulting services in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, and environment. AZTEC has a diverse culture that focuses on providing rich opportunities for its employees.

AZTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to affirmative action planning and encourages diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, veteran status, housing status, or any other non-job-related characteristic under applicable law.

Please apply online at www.aztec.us/career