Job Description

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Field Biologist for part-time, 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 a senior biologist. This is a field-based, fully remote position requiring the ability to be local on field assignments for extended periods but linked to a Southern California-based office. ****

Training and/or experience conducting surveys for listed species local to southern California and Nevada desert regions including desert tortoise, burrowing owl, Mojave fringe-toed lizard, and Mojave ground squirrel is preferred. Applicant must meet guidelines to become a desert tortoise monitor by the USFWS and CDFW.

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

• Conduct desert tortoise, burrowing owl, desert kit fox, and American badger surveys and monitoring.
• Conduct general wildlife and/or botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping.
• Identify and record native and non-native fauna and/or flora in the field.
• Conduct other special-status species surveys, following established protocols or guidelines as relevant.
• Conduct avian nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring.
• Support project execution, including pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring.
• Assist with environmental compliance 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 project manager or senior-level team member.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Elevate compliance concerns to senior-level team members.
• Provide clarification of resource project requirements to the compliance and construction teams.
• Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.

Desert Tortoise Monitor:

To be approved by USFWS and CDFW for desert tortoise monitoring, the applicant must have the knowledge and experience to conduct any or all of the following, as needed:

• Ability to locate, identify, and report all forms of desert tortoise sign in accordance with approved protocols.
• Knowledge of desert tortoise behavior, natural history, ecology, and physiology.
• Field experience and training to safely and successfully conduct desert tortoise surveys and monitoring.
• 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).
• Ability to conduct tortoise surveys as part of a team under the leadership of an authorized desert tortoise biologist.
• Monitor proper implementation of desert tortoise 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 if necessary.

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 span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (biology, ecology, etc.).
• 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience/and or education working in desert environments within the range of the desert tortoise.
• Valid U.S Driver's license is required and must be able to safely drive to job sites.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior consulting experience preferred, but non-consultant candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of southern California and/or southern Nevada wildlife and plant species.
• Flexibility and willingness to support multiple projects as needed.
• Experience with electronic data collection (Fulcrum, Field Maps, etc.)
• Experience conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight.
• Experience implementing the terms and conditions of USFWS biological opinions and CDFW incidental take permits.
• Field experience with special status species of southern California or Nevada, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Possess a 10(A)(1)(a) permit for federally listed species local to southern California and Nevada.
• Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle over difficult terrain.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.
• Experience on construction-associated 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.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Clear oral and written communication skills.

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.