Associate Biologist On-Call

Stantec; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 80,300 - 116,500; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) plan and employee stock purchase program

Paid family leave and vacation

Job summary

Stantec is seeking an experienced Associate Biologist in Irvine, CA, to support projects with a focus on natural resources. Responsibilities include conducting wildlife surveys, ecological assessments, and regulatory permitting for projects in California and potentially across the U.S. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in biological services, particularly in southern California. Stantec offers flexible schedules and a variety of employee benefits, highlighting their commitment to safety and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in natural resource/biological services.
• Experience in conducting floristic and wildlife surveys.
• Possession of California Scientific Collecting Permit is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct desktop review for biological resources.
• Perform wildlife surveys and habitat assessments.
• Prepare regulatory permit applications.

Skills

Strong natural resource expertise

Verbal and written communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Education

University degree in environmental field

Tools

ArcGIS

MS Office

Job description

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.

Your Opportunity

We are seeking an Associate Biologist with a minimum of 5 years of experience to join our team in the San Diego (Aero) office. This candidate must be a passionate individual with strong natural resource expertise ready to assist our project teams with desktop reviews, wildlife surveys, plant surveys, wetland delineations, natural resource permitting, ecosystem restoration, construction monitoring, and other opportunities as needed. The candidate will work closely with project managers, scientists, engineers, and other specialists on the development and delivery of biological studies for projects involving electric transmission and distribution lines, pipelines, wind and solar electric generation facilities, and other projects for private, municipal, state, and federal clients. This is a part‑time – on‑call position that will initially include working in San Diego County, with future opportunities to work with other Stantec staff around the United States.

Your Key Responsibilities

May Include Tasks Such As

• Desktop review for biological resources
• Wildlife surveys and habitat assessments
• Vegetation and botanical inventories
• Wetland delineations and aquatic assessments (lake and stream)
• Preparing regulatory permit applications
• Background environmental data reviews, Threatened and Endangered (T&E) and other special‑status species record reviews
• Biological / environmental compliance construction monitoring
• GPS data collection and mapping support; ArcGIS online mapping and data collection applications (e.g., Field Maps, Survey 123)
• Recording, entering, organizing, managing, and analyzing data
• Assisting with preparation of written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for client and regulatory agency review

Qualifications

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Strong background, knowledge, and experience with the flora, fauna, and vegetative communities of southern California; experience in other areas of California and elsewhere will be considered a plus.
• Experience in conducting floristic botanical surveys, reconnaissance wildlife surveys, and species‑specific protocol surveys.
• Possession of a California Scientific Collecting Permit, State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and federal Recovery Permit for special‑status species will be considered a plus.
• Wetland delineation training certificate or equivalent experience will be considered a plus.
• The ability to solve problems using critical thinking and to complete tasks with consideration to the safety of the team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including exceptional MS Office skills.
• Strong note‑taking skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working well in a team atmosphere and independently as required.
• Working understanding of policies and procedures for Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), including client‑specific training as required.
• Working knowledge of field methods and T&E species protocol surveys.
• Conscientious, organized, and disciplined nature.
• Good driving record and valid driver’s license.
• The ability to pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in potentially remote areas for extended periods. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather and long hours.

Education and Experience

University degree in an environmental (botany, biology, ecology, natural resources, wildlife biology, or related field) discipline with demonstrated experience with biological surveys in the region.

Minimum 5 years of experience in natural resource/biological services in Southern California is required.

Minimum 5 years of experience working for California Utilities is highly desired.

Experience performing desktop review for biological resources within San Diego County.

Experience or permission with at least one (multiple preferred) of the following species/taxa is required: rare plants of southern California, arroyo toad, western spadefoot toad, Stephen’s kangaroo rat, San Diego and Riverside fairy shrimp, Quino checkerspot and Hermes copper butterfly, Crotch’s bumble bee, desert tortoise, burrowing owl, western snowy plover, California least tern, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, and/or coastal California gnatcatcher.

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 (AD&D) insurance, short‑term/long‑term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage, and paid family leave. Regular full‑time and part‑time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, 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.

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

Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part‑time roles will be pro‑rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.

Employment Information

Primary Location: United States | CA | San Diego

Organization: BC-1858 EnvSvcs-US West S California

Employee Status: Regular

Business Justification: New Position

Travel: Yes

Schedule: Part time

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination 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. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.