Consulting Associate, Field Biologist

erm; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Casual Part-time, Consulting Associate, Field Biologist to conduct field surveys and environmental monitoring across Northern California. The role requires travel to field sites, flexible scheduling, and strong data collection skills.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor or Master in Biological Sciences and have 0+ years in environmental consulting. This field-based position emphasizes safety, initiative, and clear communication with project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Biological Sciences, Natural Science, Botany, Ecology or related field.
• 0+ years of environmental consulting and/or relevant experience.
• Willingness to travel to field sites, often on short notice, with overnight stays across Northern California.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological field surveys, including nesting bird surveys and habitat assessments.
• Identify wildlife species by sight and sound; document wildlife activity.
• Monitor sensitive resources and collect high-quality field data.
• Record detailed field notes and data sheets; support reporting.
• Communicate findings to project managers in real time; use GPS/tablets for data collection.

Skills

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Fieldwork stamina

Time management

Initiative

Data collection

Education

Bachelor or Master in Biological Sciences

Tools

ESRI Field Maps

GPS data collection

Job description

ERM is currently hiring a Casual Part-time, Consulting Associate, Field Biologist to support biological field surveys and environmental monitoring on an as-needed basis throughout Northern California , including, but not limited to, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Oakland, the East Bay, Fort Bragg, Arcata, and Eureka. In this role, you will help support Utility projects by conducting biological surveys, monitoring sensitive resources, collecting high-quality field data, and communicating biological findings to project teams.

Why This Role Matters?

This field-based opportunity supports the responsible delivery of Utility projects across Northern California. Work assignments may vary in duration, frequency, and location depending on project needs. Successful candidates must be adaptable, comfortable working in dynamic field conditions and across diverse habitats, and available for irregular or fluctuating schedules.

This position is ideal for biologists seeking flexible fieldwork opportunities and the opportunity to contribute their biological field skills across a variety of project settings.

What Your Impact Is:

As a Consulting Associate, Field Biologist, you will provide field-based biological support while helping project teams identify, document, and protect sensitive biological resources. Your work will contribute to accurate environmental data collection, regulatory compliance, and effective communication of changing field conditions.

What You'll Bring:

Required

• Bachelor or Master degree in Biological Sciences, Natural Science, Botany, Ecology or related field.
• 0+ years of environmental consulting and/or relevant experience.
• Strong commitment to safety, including following established health and safety protocols.
• Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a demanding work environment.
• Must be willing to travel to field sites, frequently on short notice, with overnight stays throughout Northern California.
• Ability to hike long distances, carry field equipment, and work extended days when needed.
• Willingness to travel, sometimes with short notice; overnight stays may occur.
• Commitment to safe work practices and situational awareness in field environments.
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

• Field experience with a focus on biota in Northern California.
• Botanical and/or avian expertise.
• Prior experience in the power sector.
• Experience in sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies, ESRI Field Maps, and GIS collection techniques in the field.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct biological field surveys, including nesting bird surveys, natural community assessments, rare plant surveys, preliminary aquatic resource evaluations, and other surveys in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations relevant to the species or habitats involved.
• Identify wildlife species by sight and sound, with emphasis on behavioral observations and habitat associations.
• Locate, monitor, and document wildlife activity or sensitive biological resources while minimizing disturbance.
• Implement field protocols related to avoidance, buffer establishment, or biological monitoring during ground-disturbing activities.
• Record detailed field notes, data sheets, and digital entries; prepare daily logs and contribute to technical reporting as needed.
• Communicate biological findings and field conditions to project managers or field leads in real time.
• Utilize handheld GPS units, tablets, and other mobile data collection tools.
• Maintain familiarity with applicable wildlife regulations, survey guidance, and regional ecological context relevant to assigned projects.
• Participate in occasional office-based tasks such as data management or quality review.
• Perform data entry and data review and apply expertise with ESRI Field Maps and sub-meter GPS data collection.
• Perform other biology-related duties as assigned.

For the Consulting Associate, Field Biologist position, the anticipated hourly pay is $28.22-$35.19 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

Benefits

• paid time off (vacation, sick, and floating holidays)
• parental leave
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• disability
• AD&D insurance
• 401(k)
• other applicable benefits to eligible employees

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainab