Biologist- Southern CA

There’s no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we’re committed to helping you do exactly that. 

Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.  

Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.

Our Natural Resources & Impact Assessment Group is looking for a skilled Biologist with a passion for biological fieldwork and environmental compliance. This role involves conducting biological surveys, construction monitoring, and ensuring environmental compliance. 

Our group provides impact assessment and permitting services for a broad range of interesting clients and projects, working across multiple geographies throughout California. Our work extends across a diverse range of market sectors, including transportation, utilities, local development, energy, mining, and coastal restoration. This role offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects in various habitats across California while collaborating with a dynamic team of professionals. Your work will directly contribute to environmental conservation and regulatory compliance. This position would be a regular, full-time role based near one of our Southern California office locations (Irvine, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, or San Luis Obispo). Work location will comprise both field and in-office and remote (work from home) arrangements. 

In an ever changing world, it requires creativity and innovation to stay ahead.

We’re seeking the curious, those who are stimulated by fresh thinking and a desire to shape our communities in new, positive ways.

As part of a truly global team, working on complex and rewarding projects, you'll be at the forefront of driving change

See what the power of commitment can do for you. 

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in: 

• Conduct wildlife and/or botanical surveys, including baseline assessments, nesting bird surveys, and habitat evaluations.
• Assist with and/or lead protocol-level surveys and tasks, such as wetland delineations, rare plant surveys, habitat evaluations, vegetation characterizations, and special status species surveys.
• Monitor construction sites to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permit requirements.
• Perform fish and wildlife species monitoring, relocations, and dewatering operations.
• Use tools like GPS units, maps, and aerial imagery to define project boundaries, habitat types, and resources for impact analyses.
• Document findings through photographs, detailed notes, and comprehensive technical reports.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, task leads, and other biologists to meet fieldwork and reporting requirements.
• Stay informed of and adhere to project permits and biological resource protection regulations.
• Complete desktop analyses, database queries, and prepare reports detailing methods, results, recommendations, and regulatory context.

What you will bring to the team:

• Strong background in ecology and biological surveys, with experience in special status species protocol surveys and nesting bird monitoring.
• Familiarity with California ecosystems and knowledge of local special status species (e.g., California red-legged frog, southwestern pond turtle, burrowing owl, least Bell’s vireo, Swainson’s hawk, special status bumble bee species steelhead and other special status fish species).
• Experience in rare plant surveys, leading wetland delineations, and/or fisheries is preferred.
• Knowledge of California state and federal regulations related to special status species and habitats.
• Experience with the preparation of biological resource assessment reports to be used in CEQA and NEPA documentation is preferred.
• Ability to travel statewide, with the potential for multiple overnight stays, and work in diverse and challenging field conditions.
• Experience in construction monitoring and compliance reporting is preferred.
• Possession of a CDFW scientific collecting permit or Federal 10(a)(1)(A)  recovery permit for listed species is a plus

Qualifications:

• Minimum 4  years (with 2-4 field seasons) of experience conducting biological surveys for nesting birds, wildlife, or botanical species.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Botany, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

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Salary Range: $81,000-$122,000 based on experience and location

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.