Associate Biologist On-Call

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.

Your Opportunity
We are seeking an Associate Biologist with a with a minimum of 5 years of experience to join our team in the San Diego (Aero) office. This candidate must be a passionate individual with strong natural resource expertise ready to assist our project teams with desktop reviews, wildlife surveys, plant surveys, wetland delineations, natural resource permitting, ecosystem restoration, construction monitoring and other opportunities as needed. 
The candidate will work closely with project managers, scientists, engineers, and other specialists with the development and delivery of biological studies for projects involving electric transmission and distribution lines, pipelines, wind and solar electric generation facilities, and other projects for private, municipal, state, and federal clients. This is a part time – on call position. This position will initially include working in San Diego County, with future opportunities to work with other Stantec staff around the United States. 

Your Key Responsibilities

May include tasks such as:

• Desktop review for biological resources;
• Wildlife surveys and habitat assessments;
• Vegetation and botanical inventories;
• Wetland delineations and aquatic assessments (lake and stream);
• Preparing regulatory permit applications;
• Background environmental data reviews, Threatened and Endangered (T&E) and other special-status species record reviews;
• Biological / environmental compliance construction monitoring;
• GPS data collection and mapping support; ArcGIS online mapping and data collection applications (e.g., Field Maps, Survey 123);
• Recording, entering, organizing, managing, and analyzing data; and
• Assisting with preparation of written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for client and regulatory agency review.

Qualifications 
Your Capabilities and Credentials

Strong background, knowledge, and experience with the flora, fauna, and vegetative communities of southern California; experience in other areas of California and elsewhere will be considered a plus.

• Experience in conducting floristic botanical surveys, reconnaissance wildlife surveys, and species-specific protocol surveys.
• Possession of a California Scientific Collecting Permit, State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and federal Recovery Permit for special-status species will be considered a plus.
• Wetland delineation training certificate or equivalent experience will be considered a plus.
• The ability to solve problems using critical thinking and to complete tasks with consideration to the safety of the team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including exceptional MS Office skills.
• Strong note-taking skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working well in a team atmosphere and independently as required.
• Working understanding of policies and procedures for Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), including client-specific training as required.
• Working knowledge of field methods and T&E species protocol surveys.
• Conscientious, organized, and disciplined nature.
• Good driving record and valid driver’s license.
• The ability to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in potentially remote areas for extended periods. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather and long hours.
   

Education and Experience
University degree in an environmental (botany, biology, ecology, natural resources, wildlife biology, or related field) discipline with demonstrated experience with biological surveys in the region.
Minimum 5 years of experience in natural resource / biological services in Southern California is required. 
Minimum 5 years of experience working for California Utilities is highly desired.
Experience performing desktop review for biological resources within San Diego County
Experience or permitted with at least one (multiple preferred) of the following species/taxa is required: rare plants of southern 
California, arroyo toad, western spadefoot toad, Stephen’s kangaroo rat, San Diego and Riverside fairy shrimp, Quino checkerspot and Hermes copper butterfly, Crotch’s bumble bee, desert tortoise, burrowing owl, western snowy plover, California least tern, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, and/or coastal California gnatcatcher.

Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
 
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.
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