Associate Biologist On-Call

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) plan

Paid family leave

Job summary

Stantec is seeking an Associate Biologist with at least 5 years of experience to join the team in their San Diego office. The role involves conducting wildlife and plant surveys, wetland delineations, and assisting with natural resource permitting. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in Southern California ecosystems, excellent problem-solving abilities, and good communication skills. With a part-time schedule, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on critical environmental projects across the United States.

Qualifications

• Min. 5 years of experience in natural resource services in Southern California.
• Possession of a California Scientific Collecting Permit (preferred).
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.

Responsibilities

• Conduct desktop reviews for biological resources.
• Perform wildlife surveys and habitat assessments.
• Assist in preparing regulatory permit applications.

Skills

Strong background in Southern California flora and fauna

Experience conducting floristic botanical surveys

Wetland delineation training

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Critical thinking skills

Education

University degree in an environmental discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

ArcGIS Online

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. The 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. This part‑time, on‑call position will initially work in San Diego County, with future opportunities to work with other Stantec staff across the United States.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Desktop review for biological resources.
• Wildlife surveys and habitat assessments.
• Vegetation and botanical inventories.
• Wetland delineations and aquatic assessments of lakes and streams.
• Preparation of regulatory permit applications.
• Background environmental data reviews, including Threatened and Endangered species and other special‑status species records.
• Biological and environmental compliance construction monitoring.
• GPS data collection and mapping support, including ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and Survey 123.
• Recording, entering, organizing, managing, and analyzing data.
• Assistance in preparing 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 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 a federal Recovery Permit for special-status species (preferred).
• Wetland delineation training certificate or equivalent experience (preferred).
• Problem‑solving skills using critical thinking and completion of tasks with consideration to team safety.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including exceptional Microsoft 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).
• Working knowledge of field methods and T&E species protocol surveys.
• Conscientious, organized, and disciplined nature.
• Good driving record and valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in potentially remote areas for extended periods, including exposure to the elements and long hours.

Education and Experience

University degree in an environmental discipline (botany, biology, ecology, natural resources, wildlife biology, or related field) with demonstrated experience with biological surveys in Southern California. Minimum 5 years of experience in natural resource or biological services in Southern California is required; minimum 5 years of experience working for California utilities is highly desired. Experience performing desktop reviews for biological resources within San Diego County is required. 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, 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.

Location and Schedule

Primary Location: United States | CA | San Diego

Travel: Yes

Schedule: Part time

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.

Benefits

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. Regular full‑time and part‑time employees receive ten paid holidays each calendar year. Employees accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and are eligible for paid sick leave per state and local law. Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave per state and local law. The benefits may not apply to union positions governed by collective bargaining agreements.

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, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, termination or any other employment condition. Stantec complies with laws and regulates and ensures equitable opportunities. If reasonable adjustments are required during the recruitment process, please inform a member of the Talent Acquisition team.