Biologist

Ceres Environmental Services, Inc.; Waynesville (NC); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental services company is seeking a Biologist Monitor to ensure compliance with environmental regulations during construction projects. The role involves monitoring activities, conducting surveys, and protecting sensitive species while collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in biology and fieldwork experience.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in biological monitoring or environmental consulting.
• Ability to identify sensitive or listed species.

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction activities for environmental compliance.
• Conduct pre-construction biological surveys.
• Document wildlife observations and maintain reports.

Skills

Field Observation

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology

Bachelor’s degree in Ecology

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology

Tools

GIS

GPS

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Waynesville, NC

Salary Range: $25.00 - $35.00 Hourly

Description

BIOLOGIST MONITOR

Job Description:

• Biologist Monitor in the United States, tailored to compliance with federal and state environmental regulations, including NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and other habitat protection guidelines.

Job Title:

• Biologist Monitor (Also referred to as Environmental Monitor, Wildlife Monitor, or Biological Compliance Specialist).

Position Summary:

• A Biologist Monitor ensures that construction, utility, or infrastructure projects comply with environmental regulations and biological resource protection requirements. They monitor ground-disturbing activities, protect sensitive species and habitats, document wildlife observations, and ensure that environmental commitments outlined in regulatory permits (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Wildlife Agencies, Army Corps of Engineers) are followed in the field.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor construction and ground-disturbing activities to ensure compliance with environmental permits and biological mitigation measures.
• Conduct pre-construction biological surveys, including nesting bird surveys, burrowing animal inspections, or vegetation assessments.
• Ensure protection of sensitive species, such as federally or state-listed threatened/endangered species, and their critical habitats.
• Enforce exclusion zones, biological buffers, and work stoppages if non-compliance or biological impacts occur.

• Maintain detailed field notes, GPS locations, photo documentation, and biological observations.
• Complete daily monitoring reports, incident reports, and species encounter logs.
• Assist in drafting or reviewing Biological Assessment (BA) or Biological Monitoring Reports for submittal to regulatory agencies.
• Ensure adherence to: Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Clean Water Act (Section 404), Support the implementation of Mitigation Measures and Biological Opinion (BO) requirements on permitted projects.

Coordination & Communication:

• Communicate with construction crews, project managers, environmental consultants, agency representatives, and other biological monitors on site.
• Educate workers during environmental awareness trainings about protected species and sensitive habitats.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies (e.g., USFWS, NOAA, EPA, state fish and game) when observations or discoveries require action or documentation.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, or a related field.

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in biological monitoring, field biology, environmental consulting, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to identify regional flora and fauna, particularly sensitive or listed species.
• Experience interpreting and implementing mitigation plans and environmental permits.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Federal or state scientific collecting permits or authorized biologist status for certain species (e.g., desert tortoise, California red-legged frog, gopher tortoise).
• Experience with GIS, GPS, and biological data software.
• OSHA 10/30, HAZWOPER, or other safety certifications.
• Construction experience or familiarity with heavy equipment and utility infrastructure protocols.

Core Competencies:

• Excellent field observation and record-keeping skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently in remote outdoor environments and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proactive problem-solving and ability to make quick decisions in field settings.

Work Conditions:

• Extensive fieldwork in all weather conditions and terrains.
• May involve early mornings, long hours, weekends, or night surveys depending on project requirements.
• You must be able to lift 30-50 lbs., walk long distances, and work in variable terrain.

Ceres Environmental is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications