On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner

WSP in the U.S.; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA seeks an On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner based in Albuquerque, NM or El Paso, TX. You will support environmental planning, field surveys, permitting, and compliance for diverse Desert Southwest projects.

Role requires 3–5 years of field experience, strong technical writing and regulatory knowledge, and a willingness to travel up to 80% for 2–6 day field assignments. Collaboration with project teams and agencies is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of environmental planning field experience including surveys, permitting, and impact assessments.
• Able to work schedules that may extend beyond a typical workweek.
• Strong analytical, regulatory, and technical writing abilities.
• Proficiency with MS Office; experience with ArcGIS is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys, habitat assessments, and data collection under supervision.
• Identify plants, wildlife, and sensitive Desert Southwest habitats.
• Support surveys for special-status species and assist with permitting and compliance.
• Prepare survey reports, memos, and environmental documents defensibly.
• Coordinate field activities with managers, specialists, subcontractors, and agencies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Interpersonal communication

Regulatory knowledge

Field survey experience

Microsoft Office

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ArcGIS

Job description

This Opportunity

At WSP, we are inspired by bringing together the right people to be part of future-focused business objectives that support our diverse client base. Ethical environmental systems and sound project delivery are foundational to shaping a sustainable future. Through environmental consulting, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, we help clients understand project impacts and meet regulatory requirements.

Job Description

Our Planning & Environment group is seeking an On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or El Paso, Texas. This position will support a diverse range of environmental planning, biological field survey, permitting, and compliance projects across the Desert Southwest.

Your Impact

Design

• Conduct biological field surveys, habitat assessments, desktop reviews, and environmental data collection under appropriate supervision.
• Identify plants, wildlife, and sensitive habitats characteristic of the Desert Southwest.
• Support surveys for special-status species, including endangered plants and avian species.
• Assist with environmental planning, permitting, impact assessments, construction monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
• Contribute to natural resource sections of environmental assessments, biological evaluations, technical memoranda, permit applications, and related environmental documents.
• Prepare accurate and defensible survey reports, technical memoranda, field documentation, and supporting materials.
• Maintain field notes, photographs, geographic data, species observations, project files, and tracking tools in accordance with project quality requirements.
• Coordinate field activities and project requirements with project managers, technical specialists, subcontractors, and agency or tribal representatives.
• Maintain awareness of applicable environmental regulations, agency guidance, survey protocols, and regulatory changes.
• Follow applicable health and safety requirements when working outdoors, traveling, and conducting work in remote locations.
• Perform other duties as required by project and business needs.
• Up to 80% travel may be required, primarily to southeastern New Mexico, typically for field assignments lasting 2 to 6 days.
• Responsible for understanding regulatory rules and rule changes

Collaborate

• Provide occasional guidance to junior staff or interns and support effective project delivery.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and defensible technical memoranda, survey reports, environmental documentation, and supporting materials.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements, agency guidance, survey protocols, and relevant rule changes.
• Other duties as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science (Botany, Wildlife Biology, etc.), Natural Resource Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
• 3 to 5 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, completing environmental field surveys for plants and animals, construction support, impact assessments, and permitting.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Effective analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species required.
• Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
• Proficient technical writing skills
• Proficient interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Proficiency identifying plants and wildlife of the Desert Southwest.
• Experience with discipline-specific software (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability and willingness to travel, work outdoors in remote locations, and maintain project-specific schedules that may extend beyond the typical workweek.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, resource management, environmental science, biology, or a related field
• Growing industry knowledge through participating in local professional practice organization
• Exposure to ArcGIS
• Experience working with tribal, federal, state, or local agencies or the public
• May participate in and conduct field delineation of wetlands and waters of the US or other field or permitting activities
• Experience conducting protocol surveys for special status species, particularly avian raptors and endangered plants
• Exposure to creating, editing, and analyzing information within Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to produce maps and spatial analysis for a variety of topic areas, including: natural resources, land use / land cover, ecotypes, habitat, etc.
• Familiarity with rules and regulations related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Endangered Species Act; Migratory Bird Treaty Act; Clean Water Act; and state and local environmental rules and regulations and related reporting requirements (e.g., Environmental Assessments; Biological Assessments; Reclamation Plans; Pre-Construction Notifications; reclamation and restoration regulations)
• Eager to participate in land management to promote responsible, sustainable development of oil and gas projects, renewable energy infrastructure, roads and bridges, and more.

About WSP

ABOUT US

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.