Biologist 2

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a qualified Biologist/Regulatory Specialist to support environmental permitting and field monitoring activities in California. The role includes conducting biological surveys, preparing technical reports, and collaborating with project teams on compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Biology and relevant experience in the field. Strong skills in communication and technical writing are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing biological/environmental projects.
• Experience with California regulatory processes including CEQA and NEPA.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct environmental monitoring of sensitive species before, during, and after projects.
• Perform mitigation monitoring and wildlife surveys.
• Prepare written environmental reports and technical documents.

Skills

Field monitoring

Regulatory permitting

Technical writing

GIS data collection

Species survey

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or closely related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Job Summary

HDR is seeking a qualified Biologist/Regulatory Specialist to support field monitoring, observations of construction activities, and environmental permitting on projects in California across transportation, water, and natural resources sectors. The role involves field work, report writing, analysis, and permitting in close coordination with project teams and subject‑matter experts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct short and long‑term environmental monitoring of sensitive, candidate, threatened, and/or endangered species before, during, and after construction projects.
• Perform mitigation monitoring and wildlife, botanical, and/or wetland surveys, including species surveys and habitat evaluations.
• Observe construction activities, document Best Management Practices (BMP) implementation, and verify compliance with regulatory permit requirements.
• Carry out field inspections and surveys using GIS data‑collection tools and produce mapping exhibits.
• Work in diverse field conditions, including highway proximity and extended or overnight work as needed.
• Work independently on medium‑size projects or assist senior scientists on larger projects.
• Conduct biological field surveys, data interpretation, analysis, and manage the preparation of written environmental reports.
• Provide direction to clerical and technical personnel when necessary.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze potential impacts on biological resources.
• Execute scientific/environmental projects with moderately complex objectives and limited variables.
• Develop technical reports, assessments, focused studies, and regulatory permitting applications.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies to facilitate permit approval and compliance activities for various project types.
• Contribute to CEQA and NEPA documents, biological evaluations/assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans, and associated project documents.
• Perform other duties as required.

Permitting Processes

• California and Federal Endangered Species Act consultations
• Other state/local permits in California and the Western United States
• Permit applications for resource agencies (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, NOAA Fisheries, California Coastal Commission)
• FERC regulatory processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Transportation/Transit Agencies
• Minimum 3 years of demonstrated experience managing field services in conjunction with project construction activities and schedules
• Possess or obtain necessary collecting and/or handling permits, and/or species‑specific experience for all sensitive, threatened, and endangered species
• 5+ years of experience conducting and managing biological resources surveys, impact analysis, reporting, and/or regulatory permitting in California
• Experience with species and habitats in Northern and Central California
• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrable technical writing/editing ability and commitment to quality in both processes and products

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or a closely related field
• Minimum of 5 years experience managing biological/environmental projects
• Leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Commitment to being an active participant of HDR's employee‑owned culture

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

HDR is committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records.