Job Description

AECOM is actively seeking a highly motivated Biologist II in our San Diego, CA office serving areas in southern California including but not limited to San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Imperial, and Riverside Counties. This is a hybrid role.

This position would support numerous natural resource projects with a generalist focus including wildlife biology, compliance, construction monitoring, and wildlife permitting. Primary duties include general biological surveys for wildlife, plants, and/or vegetation, electronic data collection, and preparation of technical reports. Additional duties may include assisting on listed species surveys, conservation plans, permit applications, and habitat management plans, or assisting with natural resources related field surveys. Experience with technical writing of environmental documents, along with conducting general species surveys for avian (including nest searching), herp, mammal, and invertebrate species, and/or experience conducting botany surveys and vegetation characterization and mapping desired.

Responsibilities will include:

• Perform assignments that require background in wildlife ecology and ecological processes, as well as Endangered Species Act (ESA compliance).
• Conduct biological survey fieldwork as part of a team in coastal, inland, and desert environments, which can include rugged terrain.
• Identify and record native and non-native fauna and/or flora in field.
• Utilize electronic data collection methods and manage data, as needed.
• Prepare writing assignments, including completing survey reports, Biological Technical Reports, Mitigation and Monitoring Plans, Biological Assessments, and/or EIR/EIS sections.
• Possess some knowledge of major state and federal agencies (e.g., USACE, USFWS, BLM, BOR, CDFW, RWQCB, and CCC) and major regulatory frameworks (e.g., NEPA, CEQA, ESA, CESA, CFGC, CWA and CCA as well as knowledge of regional conservation planning (i.e., MSCP, MHCP, MSHCP) and apply to assigned tasks.
• Work under supervision of a project manager or senior-level team member.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Occasional travel may be required

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, 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 award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world’s 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 wide-ranging environmental problems within diverse community profiles.

AECOM’s 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 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (biology, ecology, etc.).
• 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in natural resources.
• Valid driver license required and must be able to safely drive to job sites.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in related field.
• Prior consulting experience preferred, but non-consultant candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience with energy and utility companies, specifically Southern California Edison, P66, Shell, PCEC, and Chevron, is desired.
• Experience with flora and fauna in California and southwest U.S. preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment where changing client priorities result in the need to determine creative ways to get the job done.
• Candidate must be flexible and willing to support multiple projects as needed.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team; be innovative and a problem solver.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Ability to create and maintain tracking spreadsheets and documents
• Well versed in ESA regulations.
• Data management experience, including electronic data collection in field, managing large data sets, programming, and/or web development, including experience with field data collection tools such as Pendragon and Fulcrum.
• Experience with protocol wildlife surveys, special-status plant surveys, habitat assessments, and/or wildlife tracking.
• Experience in biological survey fieldwork, including vegetation monitoring utilizing line-intercept, transect, and/or Releve methods.

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 , well-being 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 private-sector 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.com.

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 cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where 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.