Senior Ecologist/Statistician

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AECOM is actively seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist/Statistician to join our California Natural Resources Group.  This is a full-time, remote position that can be based anywhere within the Western Region of the U.S. and will report directly to our Southern California NR team.

This position would support numerous natural resource projects throughout the western United states, including California, the Great Basin region, and the southwest. There may be the potential for occasional field work through the western United States. Primary duties will be threefold: 1) eagle and listed species impact assessments and permitting, 2) statistics and modeling, 3) raptor studies. The position will lead complex permitting and compliance projects focused on Golden and Bald Eagles, federally listed species covered under the Endangered Species Act and state-sensitive species.

Responsibilities will require a working knowledge of leading impact assessments and developing permitting strategies, preparing permit applications and background technical materials, maintaining permit compliance, and performing associated task/client management duties. The position will require a strong background in ecological statistics and modeling including proficiency with statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS) and modeling approaches such as general linear and Bayesian models. Responsibilities will also include directing raptor studies such as nest monitoring, avian use surveys, post-construction mortality monitoring, and protocol surveys for such species as Swainson’s Hawk, Golden and Bald Eagles, and Burrowing Owls. Other focuses may include supporting development of Resource Conservation Plans, Eagle Conservation Plans, Habitat Conservation Plans, and Bird Bat Conservation Strategies. Candidate will coordinate with clients and resource agency staff, lead complex permitting projects involving eagles and other listed species and participate in public review processes.

Projects and clients can include renewable energy, transportation, and energy transmission sectors, with an emphasis on clients in the public sector such as federal and municipal entities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manages projects with complex permitting needs and large-scale field efforts
• Oversees or authors advanced technical documents such as Eagle Conservation Plans, Habitat Conservation Plans, Biological Assessments, Bird Bat Conservation Strategies, Incidental Take Permit Applications, etc.
• Develops monitoring plans, avoidance/minimization strategies and adaptive management approaches for eagles, other raptors, and listed wildlife species
• Develops electronic data collection protocols and effectively manages large volumes of data
• Establishes and oversees robust QA/QC protocols
• Conducts modeling and analyses on large datasets to inform impact analyses and mitigation approaches, particularly for raptor impacts, and ultimately permitting approaches
• Directs a large team to complete field studies for raptors
• Tracks project financial performance and identifies trends and deviations to project team with recommended corrective courses of action
• Operates as primary point of contact for clients and resource agencies on projects
• Performs client management duties such as recurring status meetings, milestone check ins, and day-to-day interfacing
• Candidate will contribute to growth of department through marketing pursuits including proposal preparation, interviews, and business development
• Performs project management duties such as forecasting, tracking, accounting updates, invoicing, progress reports, and scheduling
• Develops work breakdown structure for control and integrity of work to be performed as and defined by the contract

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (biology, ecology, or project management/controls).
• 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in natural resources/project management.
• Valid U.S Driver's license is required for this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Master’s degree or PhD in related field (biology, ecology, etc.).
• 10+ years of experience in natural resources/project management.
• Master Banding Permit (with authorization for Golden Eagles and raptors).
• Experience with protocol wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and/or botanical surveys.
• Previous or current experience working in California.
• Prior environmental consulting experience is highly desired.
• Data management experience, including electronic data collection in field; managing large data sets.
• Willingness to work with multiple colleagues on a variety of initiatives.
• Successful marketing/business development experience.
• Ability to work in a high-paced 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.
• Team player with excellent listening skills and diplomacy.

• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.
• Please note that this role can be based anywhere in the Western United States and compensation data will vary in each location, including higher or lower than the stated range. 

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.