Job Title: Desert Biologist

Absolutely Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or related field, Experience Conducting Field Surveys

Targeted Specialists: Wildlife Biologist, Desert Tortoise Biologist, Botanist, Plant Ecologist, Avian Specialist, or related

Reporting to: Senior Biologist/Project Managers

Summary: Seeking a biologist, botanist, or plant ecologist with knowledge of and field experience with Great Basin and Mojave Desert flora and fauna, as well as some experience with developing all or portions of survey reports, biological assessments, NEPA documents, conservation/mitigation plans, and other related documents.

Responsibilities may include conducting surveys for rare/protected plants, non-native/noxious weeds, migratory birds, desert tortoises, and other natural resources. May include implementing mitigation and monitoring compliance for construction projects, collection/management of data, and development of biological resource reports and other environmental documents under the supervision of a Project Manager and/or Senior Biologist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (and other duties as assigned):

• Implement field surveys, data collection, compliance monitoring, and other activities in accordance with agency- or industry-established field protocols, following the company’s professional standards, and safety procedures established for the project/conditions.
• Collect, manage, synthesize, and summarize large volumes of environmental data in an effective, efficient manner.
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, subconsultants, clients, resource agency personnel, construction crews, and the public as required.
• Assist Project Managers with daily activities, including project/task prioritization, resource allocation, task assignments, project coordination, and deliverable/milestone tracking.
• Ensure project documents are complete, current, and stored appropriately.
• Work effectively as a member of a diverse team with common goals, as well as independently on specific tasks.
• Manage tasks/projects as appropriate to experience level and under oversight from Management.
• Track and report work hours and expenses daily.
• Track lessons learned to share with team members.
• Continually seek opportunities to enhance the company’s value to our clients, our community, and our environment.

Education and/or Experience:  A Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of experience in biology, botany, ecology, wildlife sciences, natural resources management, or related discipline required.

Required experience includes:

• Must possess or immediately obtain a Nevada Driver’s License, Clean Motor Vehicle Record, and ability to safely drive 4wd vehicle in rugged terrain.
• Safety oriented mindset with the determination to follow procedures and policies.
• Ability and willingness to travel; walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, remote locations, and rugged terrain; and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds required.
• Experience conducting surveys for wildlife, plants, and/or other resources in the Great Basin or Mojave Deserts.

Preferred experience includes:

• Experience recording thorough and accurate technical data and other field observations on data forms, field notes, and/or electronic data systems.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite of software and applications required. Proficiency with Adobe suite of software and ArcGIS, including data management and map production.
• Proficiency with use of GPS units for mapping, data logging, and data management required.
• Ability to read maps and basic construction plans.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in the company’s culture and professional setting.
• Experience working with clients, construction crews, and co-workers at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task.

Physical Demands: The ability to hike over uneven and steep terrain for several miles in the desert environment in extreme weather conditions may be required. Lifting objects up to 40 pounds may be necessary. Driving four-wheel-drive vehicles on unmaintained roads, off-road, and over paved roads for extended periods of time to access isolated project sites may be required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: Highly variable, based on tasks assigned, and may include standard office environment; outdoors in variable conditions; active construction sites; informal public outreach/meeting venues; and formal meeting venues. Work will be performed primarily in Nevada, with some out-of-State travel required to conduct project-related activities. The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The ideal candidate is willing to cross-train into other areas of environmental consulting.