San Joaquin Kit Fox Designated Biologist

JOB SUMMARY

The Biologist/SJKF Designated Biologist (DB) position oversees and assists with kit fox and environmental compliance at an operating utility scale solar project.  The job requires supervising a team of experienced wildlife biologists with implementing sensitive species surveys and protection measures and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal permits.  Typical schedule is four 10-hour shifts per week on a remote industrial-scale solar site. Occasional overtime, weekend, and night work is scheduled as needed.R equired: Designated Biologist under a CDFW Incidental Take Permit.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Coordinate and execute daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks
• Understand and facilitate compliance of all site permits and requirements
• Oversee and conduct biological surveys
• Communicate and coordinate with staff, clients, contractors, and government agencies
• Balance budgets and schedule staff to stay within budget while completing tasks
• Maintain data and create environmental documents, updates, and technical reports
• Meet and inform new contractors regarding site regulations to inform them of the biologist role in monitoring and protecting the local habitat
• Monitor construction crews during day and night work
• Coordination with on-site staff and other Designated Biologists
• Coordinate with other project managers
• Understand all safety requirements while leading others to work safely and follow all safety rules
• Conduct early morning observations for wildlife that may be present in daily construction zones
• Monitor daily construction areas for wildlife, especially avian species, mammals, reptiles, as well as common wildlife species
• Capture and relocate wildlife, including snakes, as needed
• Implement quality assurance/quality control plans to ensure the data collected and products prepared meet all standards and regulations
• Document daily observations in database for GIS and statistical analysis
• Study biological resources and environmental conditions affecting wildlife and research environmental effects of solar farm
• Communicates observations to associates, client representatives, contractors, county, and other trustee agencies as appropriate
• Identifies, classifies, and studies distribution, abundance, behavior, physiology, and distribution, as applicable, of plant and animal species
• Researches environmental effects of proposed project and identifies methods of improving or maintaining environmental conditions
• Work with designated project biologists and outside experts to produce publishable research papers based on field data collected
• Provide project review and review plans
• Prepare summaries of biological constraints
• Prepare biological/technical reports and assist with project management
• Provide groundwork for regulatory permit applications
• Excellent communication with clients and agency personnel.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Assist with permit package development
• Provide support in other departments when needed
• May be involved in supporting Project Managers with scheduling staff or field assignments
• Assigned as the onsite Lead when required

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources or Wildlife Management or related experience.

Experience

5 to 10 years related experience in biology, botany, wildlife, endangered species management. Minimum 5-years of professional field experience with San Joaquin kit fox.

Knowledge

Advanced field experience and knowledge in recognizing birds, wildlife and plants throughout the San Luis Obispo County

Skills

Proficient analytical, data management and technical writing skills. Must be able to keep precise, accurate and legible field notes.

Abilities

Able to write clear and concise reports, and able to keep accurate field notes during monitoring and field work.  Accomplished leadership skills. Organized in managing multiple projects.

Licenses/Certifications

Licensed or certified to handle or survey for applicable endangered species a plus. Must also have a valid California Driver’s license.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements

Occasionally able to lift, pull or push up to 50 lbs. Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift. Able to wear personal protective equipment (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and respirator).

Working Conditions

Must be able to walk 5 to 7 miles per day on relatively flat ground with day pack, water, supplies in variable weather conditions (windy, rainy, cold to 10 degrees F, heat to 110 degrees F).

We are growing and expanding!

We are currently hiring for:

• San Joaquin Kit Fox Designated Biologist​​
• Experienced Field Botanist

Submit your resume to: hr@althouseandmeade.com