Senior Biologist & CEQA Specialist

ESA is seeking a skilled Senior Biologist & CEQA Specialist with5+ years' experienceto join our Biological Resources and Land Management practice in Southern California. We welcome a collaborative team member with a growth mindset & 5+ years' experience as a lead author of CEQA biological resource sections and biological resource technical reports for projects of moderate complexity. Qualified candidates must be experienced, able, & willing to conducting plant and wildlife surveys and habitat assessments, monitor sensitive biological resources, collect data digitally and analyze results, and deliver quality technical written work products. Qualified candidates must be open and willing to work hybrid 2-days a week from any of our Southern California ESA Office locations and open to occasional travel for various project site visits and in-person team collaborations as needed. Preference given to candidates who can work hybrid from our San Diego, Irvine, LA, Pasadena, or Santa Barbara Offices.

Who You Are

• You are an experienced biologist who performs natural resource-related evaluations, technical studies, and has at least five years of professional experience.
• The ideal biologist will specialize in one or more areas, including biology, ecology, marine science, wetlands, wildlife, and similar natural resource-related disciplines
• Experience authoring technical writing of CEQA and biological resource technical reports required.
• Ability to conduct NEPA analysis and associated technical writing is desirable.
• You collect, interpret, and analyze field survey data and may serve as a technical/resource specialist.
• You may serve as Deputy Project Manager or Task Manager on projects. You're self-aware, self-motivated, and respectful and empathetic toward others. You accept responsibility for your actions, constructively give and receive feedback and work collaboratively with a team mentality.
• Previous experience with software like Field Maps, Collector, Survey123, and GIS are preferred while experience with Microsoft Suite is required.
• Must hold a bachelor's degree with major course work in biology, ecology, environmental science, or other environmental related interdisciplinary fields.
• Willing and able to mentor junior team members
• You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 40 pounds. You are confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground in a variety of environments, along stream banks, and in coastal/intertidal areas. You may be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions. Some night and/or weekend work may be required.
• You possess a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

What You Will Do for ESA

• As a mid-level biologist, you will apply critical thinking and problem solving to select and apply standard techniques, methods and procedures for a wide range of basic to medium complexity biological studies, may serve as a technical specialist.
• You will possess an understanding of regulations, policies, and principles in the topic and location of expertise.
• You will serve as a contributing or lead author of environmental documents potentially including technical memoranda, biological assessments/evaluations, scientific discipline reports, and/or sections of NEPA and/or CEQA analyses, resource-related permit applications and/or other documents.
• You will prepare draft documents that are clear, concise, well-written and supported. You will perform biological field studies such as habitat and species surveys, habitat inventories and assessments, wetland and stream delineations, compliance monitoring and habitat restoration; however, the primary need for this position is a strong technical writing ability.
• You will work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team. You will have strong writing skills, effective oral presentation skills, listening skills, and the ability to present information understandably about basic or moderately complex topics. You take the initiative to provide mentoring to more junior staff.
• You will demonstrate equitable and inclusive ways of working with others: treat others with respect, empathy, and dignity. You will thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment and are able to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines while working on a team or independently.
• You will perform projects functions such as development and tracking of scope, schedule, and invoices under Project Manager's direction. You will primarily perform work with substantial direction. You will deliver project assignments on time and within budget. You will check work for errors, accuracy, and applicability to project needs.
  
• Prepares sections of deliverables or may be lead author of deliverables for moderately complex projects, supported by advice/oversight from senior biologist or task lead/PM. Can lead impact analyses with application of regulatory framework, and draft avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures.
• You will lead overall preparation of project safety plans & coordinate with ESA Safety Team on project safety issues as well as with project PMs and upper management.
• Lead team meetings as an experienced consultant/practitioner while fostering employee engagement in ESA processes and sharing available resources
• Present in client or agency meetings.
• You will lead smaller competitive proposals or task orders under existing on-call contracts. May start to assess project opportunities with clients and track contract opportunities
• May conduct field assignments independently with senior review and strategic guidance as support, as needed. May receive industry-wide, geography-specific, or project-specific required approval (e.g., in California as a Designated Biologist) or may receive other required federal and state survey permits or certifications.
• May serve as a field safety supervisor. May guide others in preparation of project safety plans. May coordinate with the client/contractors to support project team safety.
• May support practice as a supervisor and attends supervisor trainings regularly.
• May serve as PM on basic or moderately complex projects. May serve as task manager or DPM on more complex projects.
• You will participate in compliance monitoring and reporting activities for on-going construction projects requiring working near heavy equipment.
• Other ad hoc tasks as needed

What's Special About Our Team

Our Biology Team includes biologists, restoration ecologists, permitting specialists, conservation biologists, and environmental scientists that provide expertise for many municipalities throughout California. Our work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens in balance with conserving our state's sensitive natural resources.

We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration. To read about some of the exciting projects we have recently completed, check out this link: https://esassoc.com/projects/

What's Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.