On-Call Project Biologist


Job Details

Job Description

Hello from Sapere Environmental! We are a Small Business/Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SBE/DVBE) environmental consulting firm based in San Francisco and Sacramento with a statewide reach and a reputation for sound biological support, effective project management, and approachability. This is an opportunity to join our growing team and help shape the future of Sapere.

As we enter into a busy 2024, we are further building out our network of on-call early- to mid-level biologists with surveying and construction monitoring experience to act as qualified biological monitors for various transportation and development projects located in Sonoma, Sacramento, Shasta and Mendocino Counties. Our firm also regularly manages projects through the greater San Francisco Bay Area, and Counties of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Marin, Solano, Napa, and Santa Cruz, Caltrans (multiple districts) as well as other regions throughout the state of California.

The position is an on-call, part-time to full-time, project(s)-specific position with an anticipated duration of two to six months. The candidate may have opportunities to work on multiple projects, concurrently or sequentially. Work will primarily be in the field, but qualified candidates may be tasked with preparing biological reports, as needed. Previous monitoring and surveying experience is required, and previous approval as a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service- (USFWS) and/or California Department of Fish & Wildlife- (CDFW) approved biologist is preferred. Job training provided for project-specific construction monitoring, preconstruction and protocol-level surveys, Geographic Information System (GIS), daily reporting, and more. Nesting bird survey experience required. Preference will be given to those that have survey/monitoring experience with foothill yellow-legged frog, California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, western pond turtles, giant garter snake, burrowing owl, American badger and/or roosting bats.

Hiring is contingent upon a candidate s approval by the USFWS and/or CDFW as a qualified biologist on a project-by-project basis. Applicants must submit a resume documenting their relevant work experience with California listed and special-status species, handling permits (if applicable), construction monitoring, project experience and other relevant experience. After candidate approval, Sapere will coordinate with the candidate to determine project scheduling and approximate work hours. Opportunity for seasonal full-time work.

Responsibilities & Duties:

Duties will vary by project, but generally include:

  • Field surveys including protocol-level species surveys and habitat assessments.
  • Construction & environmental compliance monitoring.
  • Prepare technical reports (daily, weekly, summary) to document survey results and environmental compliance.
  • Complete accurate and thorough daily environmental compliance monitoring forms for submittal to Clients, CDFW, USFWS, and NMFS.
  • Contribute to the development of CEQA/NEPA documents, biological evaluations and assessments, mitigation plans and associated documents.
  • Review applicable permits (e.g. CDFW Streambed Alteration Agreement, USFWS/NMFS Biological Opinion, etc) to become well-versed in compliance requirements and your role onsite.
  • Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients and construction personnel.
  • Occasional overnight travel may be required (travel, meals and lodging paid).
  • Work independently and with a team on projects of various sizes.
  • Perform other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications Experience:

  • Bachelor s degree (or higher) in wildlife biology, ecology, botany, environmental studies, wildlife management, or related scientific field.
  • Minimum one (1) years of related experience in construction compliance monitoring and biological surveys. Formal training and research may apply to this requirement.
  • Survey and monitoring experience with nesting birds (active nest monitoring preferred).
  • Demonstrated experience and working knowledge of Northern California flora and fauna.
  • Good writing and proofreading skills to produce daily/weekly monitoring compliance reports, preconstruction survey reports, or similar reports with minimal editing required.
  • Strong written and communications skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Have a reliable source of transportation, driver s license and good driving record.
  • Able to work remotely with access to a computer and high-speed internet.
  • Willing to work 8-12-hour days subject to overtime and/or weekend work to accommodate construction schedules.
  • Able to work outside for extended periods, subject to natural elements and inclement weather.
  • If not local to the project location(s), applicant is willing to stay overnight in local lodging Monday-Friday.
  • Be reliable and punctual.

Desired Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of relevant experience.
  • Applicant is local to Sonoma, Sacramento, Shasta or Mendocino Counties.
  • Prior survey/monitoring experience for one of more of the following: foothill yellow-legged frog, California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, western pond turtles, giant garter snake, burrowing owl, American badger and/or roosting bats.
  • Prior experience performing environmental awareness training for construction crews.
  • Plant identification skills desired, but not required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Working knowledge of relevant environmental regulatory permits (e.g. CDFW 1600, USFWS BO, RWQCB, CWA 401).
  • Experience with ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online and/or ESRI field data collectors (FieldMaps, Survey 123).
  • Willing to work on remote jobs requiring overnight stay (paid travel time and per diem included).

Benefits:

  • If overnight travel is required, per diem paid at GSA published rates for the City and County of project location.
  • Mileage will be reimbursed at GSA published rates for privately-owned vehicles.
  • Paid travel time to/from job sites.
  • 401K package offered at 3 months from date of hire. At one year from date of hire, company match up to 4%.


Wages:

  • Starting at $35/hour, based on level of experience relevant to project requirements.


Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to ...@sapereenv.com.

You will receive a confirmation email when your submission has been reviewed and further instructions will be provided at that time. Thank you for applying!





 Sapere Environmental, LLC

 06/01/2024

 Sacramento,CA