Associate Biologist

Stantec; Fresno (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,300 - 116,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) plan

Paid family leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Stantec in California is seeking an experienced consulting biologist with at least five years of experience to join its Southern California Ecosystems Group. The role includes leading project teams and managing field tasks, while requiring the ability to travel across Southern California.

Ideal candidates should have a relevant degree and experience conducting biological surveys. Benefits include medical and dental plans, 401(k), and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in consulting biology.
• Possession of CA Scientific Collecting Permit is a plus.
• Proficiency in conducting floristic and wildlife surveys.

Responsibilities

• Lead project field teams on various development projects.
• Assist in the development of permitting strategies and technical reports.
• Coordinate with clients and regulators.

Skills

Field team leadership

Knowledge of Southern California flora and fauna

Technical writing

Health and Safety coordination

Experience with special-status species

Proficient in MS Office and GPS/GIS technology

Education

BS/MS in Biological Sciences or related field with 5 years experience

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

GPS tools

Job description

Stantec is seeking a consulting biologist with a minimum of five years of experience to join our Southern California Ecosystems Group. The position is based in one of our Southern California offices (Bakersfield, Fresno, Irvine, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Paramount, Pasadena, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Santa Maria, or Ventura) and requires the ability to travel within and outside of Southern California.

What You Will Do

• Lead and mentor project field teams and provide support to project managers for renewable energy, oil and gas, and other development projects.
• Schedule, assist, or lead teams for field tasks such as special‑status species surveys, nesting bird surveys, vegetation community assessments and mapping, jurisdictional waters delineations and assessments, and compliance monitoring.
• Provide guidance to junior staff, including training recommendations, coaching, and mentoring.
• Plan, prepare, and review technical reports or portions of larger environmental assessments.
• Work with business development teams to contribute to requests for proposals (RFPs), defining scope, estimating cost, and compiling relevant sections of proposal documents.
• Assist teams in pursuing and contributing to new business opportunities and effective technical proposals.
• Participate in professional associations and committees to contribute to our corporate profile.
• Under the supervision of senior staff, coordinate with clients and regulators to communicate results of survey efforts and technical reports.
• Assist with the development of permitting strategies, permit application packages, and agency negotiations.
• Maintain an 80‑85% direct project utilization goal.
• Conduct overnight travel within and outside of Southern California.

Qualifications

Skills

• Collaborate effectively in multi‑disciplinary project and field teams.
• Understand and apply Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with project managers to work efficiently within scope, budget, and schedule.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the flora, fauna, and vegetative communities of Southern California.
• Conduct floristic botanical surveys, reconnaissance wildlife surveys, and species‑specific protocol surveys.
• Experience with arroyo toad, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, Mohave ground squirrel, and/or desert tortoise is a plus.
• Possession of a California Scientific Collecting Permit, State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and/or federal Recovery Permit for special‑status species is a plus.
• Being a USFWS‑approved biologist or a CDFW‑approved Designated Biologist for federally listed species is a plus.
• Wetland delineation training certificate or demonstrable experience in jurisdictional waters/aquatic resources delineations is a plus.
• Strong verbal and technical writing skills, able to communicate with team members, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Experience preparing technical documentation such as biological survey reports, technical memoranda, Biological Resources Technical Reports (BRTRs), jurisdictional waters delineations, Aquatic Resources Delineation Reports (ARDRs), and CEQA/NEPA documents.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and processes, particularly in Southern California.
• Prepare or contribute to regulatory permit applications such as Clean Water Act Section 404/401, Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs), Fish and Game Code Section 1600 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, and incidental take permits (ITPs).
• Experience in compliance monitoring, environmental training, interpretation and application of regulatory requirements, and post‑construction monitoring/reporting on projects.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Use GPS/GIS technology (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, Online, and/or Field Maps) to collect survey data, map vegetation communities, and delineate jurisdictional waters.
• Must be able to travel; possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• OSHA HAZWOPER 40 certification may need to be obtained prior to employment.

Education and Experience

BS and/or MS degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, or a related field with a minimum of five years of experience.

Typical office environment involves working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods. Field work may include exposure to inclement weather and the ability to lift and move items and equipment up to 50 lbs.

Pay Range

• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas – $80,300.00 – $116,500.00 Annually
• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA areas – $86,100.00 – $125,000.00 Annually

In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. Certain roles are bonus eligible. Part‑time roles will be pro‑rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.

Benefits Summary

Regular full‑time and part‑time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans; a wellness program; health saving accounts; flexible spending accounts; 401(k) plan; employee stock purchase program; life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; short‑term/long‑term disability plans; emergency travel benefits; tuition reimbursement; professional membership fee coverage; and paid family leave. Employees receive ten paid holidays each calendar year, and accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year. Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with state and local law.

Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave in accordance with state and local law. The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Discrimination is prohibited in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations, or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.