Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist (AB)

Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist (AB)

Location: 100% Field Based (NV)
Compensation: $35-70/hour (negotiable based on experience)

Schedule

This position supports two primary types of field work, each with its own seasonal schedule and workload expectations. Candidates should be prepared for extended work hours and frequent overtime during peak periods.

• Construction Monitoring (Year-Round): Construction monitoring projects occur throughout the year and typically require a 6-day work week. During active projects, employees can expect to work up to 65 hours per week, depending on project demands, weather, and client schedules.
• Survey Season (Peak Months): Survey work is concentrated during the primary field seasons of April-May and September-October. During these busy periods, employees typically work approximately 65 hours per week, with schedules driven by project needs and field conditions.

Due to the nature of environmental field work, schedules may vary based on project requirements, client deadlines, weather conditions, and operational needs. Flexibility and the ability to work extended hours during peak seasons are essential for success in this role.

Interested candidates must submit at least one letter of agency AB approval. Please add as an additional document when you submit your resume through the external link.

Spheros Environmental is looking for a Desert Tortoise Biologist authorized to perform Threatened or Endangered Species (TES) activities for purposes of implementing requirements of project-level permits. The individual will apply desert tortoise technical resource expertise and previous experience to support project TES activities on a project-by-project basis. The job involves primarily field duties including field surveys, compliance monitoring, and field coordination. This job involves some independent work on small projects and collecting data within a team on larger projects. The job will support project needs and field efforts responding to project management and client needs throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Key Responsibilities:Support to Project Managers

• Protocol level wildlife surveys for desert tortoises and other sensitive species
• Biological compliance monitoring during construction
• Use GPS technology to navigate and record data in the field
• Data collection in the form of handheld and/or paper datasheet
• Understanding and interpreting resource agency permit requirements
• Providing environmental training to construction crews
• Preparing daily compliance reporting
• Web-based reporting
• Responding to other project needs

Biological Resource Studies and Compliance Monitoring

• Coordination with project team members as a field lead when needed
• Project-specific data management processes
• Monitor work quality and help to establish workflow for efficiency in the field
• Oversee field staff and provide training when necessary
• Assess work sites for compliance with resource agency permits
• Reconnaissance level surveys and habitat assessments for special status species
• Maintain up to date knowledge of natural resource management protocols and best practices
• Data and literature searches when needed
• Data analysis and impact calculations

Support to Senior Project Managers

• Maintain up to date knowledge of regulations, requirements, and best practices
• Task management for internal team members on projects
• Assist with troubleshooting project issues with Project Manager
• Client coordination, notifications, meetings, and reporting where needed

Professional and Business Development

• Develop and maintain professional business relationships
• Acquire and develop skills in the field or knowledge of new regulations
• Assist with developing new project proposals
• Assist with developing new programs as they come into fruition

Qualifications and Education:

• Minimally bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in Biology, Botany, Ecology, or Environmental Science; and 3–10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Background in biological resources and experience with wildlife and botanical resources
• Working knowledge of FESA, CESA, CEQA, and NEPA; relevant experience with project types including development, water and other utilities, renewable energy, transportation, and defense
• Experience with ArcGIS and GPS technologies, including digital data collection methods (iForms, Collector, ArcGIS Field Maps), for large-scale biological resource inventories
• Knowledge of Ajera Accounting software, ArcGIS, MS Excel, and MS Word
• Ability to work long days in rugged terrain and potentially inclement weather; ability to hike on foot in rough outdoor terrain
• Ability to identify common plant and wildlife species; excellent communication and writing skills; detail-oriented, self-motivated, independent, and strong work ethic
• 100% of the time will be spent in the field, on or near the project site, with some pre or post field organizational activities

Authorized Biologist Level Descriptions

• Authorized Biologist 1

• $35 - $45 Familiar with relevant regulatory requirements related to Threatened or Endangered Species (TES). Authorized to handle, take, and harass.
• Supports protocol level surveys and data collection with expertise.

• Authorized Biologist 2

• $45 - $55 Strong understanding of TES regulatory requirements. Authorized to excavate burrows and attach transmitters.
• Independently conducts surveys and monitoring. Serve as survey/monitoring crew lead.

• Authorized Biologist 3

• $55 - $60 Thorough knowledge of TES regulatory requirements. Authorized to relocate and translocate, and can regularly perform these activities adeptly.
• Leads multiple field crews, mentors staff and oversees compliance. Manages essential field functions including supplies, equipment, and adherence to agency protocols. Assists with biological sample management and coordination of laboratory testing.

• Authorized Biologist 4

• $60 - $70 External subject matter expert (SME) with demonstrated command of TES regulatory requirements. Authorized to perform most advanced TES activities (i.e. health assessments, DNA sampling) for purposes of implementing requirements of project-level permits. May serve as Principal Investigator on research/recovery permits or holds their own permit for TES. Demonstrated ability to navigate challenging discussions and situations with regulators regarding TES.
• Leads field crews on multiple project sites. Oversees essential field functions including supplies, equipment, and adherence to agency protocols. Oversees biological sample management and coordination of laboratory testing. Can be a regular contributor to a technical advisory group.

Why Spheros Environmental?

• Benefits: If seasonal staff average 30+ hours per week in a 12 month period, they will be eligible for medical benefits.
• Competitive Compensation: Generous salary range with bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a company that values collaboration and client service.
• Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.

Apply today! Spheros Environmental is an equal-opportunity employer.