Project Biologist

Stantec; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 62,500 - 90,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Stantec is looking for a Project Biologist in San Diego, California, with 2 to 5 years of experience. You will join a dynamic team, participate in fieldwork, and lead various projects involving ecological assessments.

The role requires experience with southern California flora and fauna, technical writing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams. Stantec offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, 401(k), and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience in biology or related field.
• Experience with special-status species surveys and compliance monitoring.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support project managers in renewable energy and oil and gas projects.
• Conduct field tasks such as species surveys and compliance monitoring.
• Prepare technical documentation including Biological Resources Technical Reports.

Skills

Collaborative team member

Flora and fauna knowledge of Southern California

Fieldwork experience

Technical writing skills

Knowledge of federal and state regulations

GPS/GIS technology

Education

BS and/or MS degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Ecology

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

MS Office

Job description

Your Opportunity

Stantec is seeking a consulting biologist with a minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience to join our southern California Ecosystems Group operating out of one of our southern California offices including Bakersfield, Fresno, Irvine, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Paramount, Pasadena, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Santa Maria, and Ventura. We welcome a talented and collaborative team member with demonstrable experience in southern California and elsewhere.

What You Will Do for Stantec

As a Project Biologist you will work in a highly dynamic team environment with other biologists/ecologists/water resource specialists, land planning and regulatory experts. The position includes opportunities for both field and office work; it may also involve field work during construction of projects and implementation of ecosystem restoration projects. You will be relied upon to lead and mentor field teams on a variety of multi‑disciplinary projects for diverse clientele and business sectors, including renewable energy, oil and gas projects, electric and gas transmission projects, transportation projects, community development projects, and projects for other public and private sector clients.

As a Project Biologist, You Will

• Contribute to project field teams and support project managers undertaking renewable energy, oil and gas, and other development projects.
• Conduct field tasks as needed, such as special‑status species surveys, nesting bird surveys, vegetation community assessments and mapping, jurisdictional waters delineations and assessments, and compliance monitoring.
• Contribute to technical reports or portions of larger environmental assessments.
• May contribute to our corporate profile through active participation in professional associations and committees.
• Maintain a target 85‑90% direct project utilization goal.
• Conduct overnight travel within and outside of southern California.

Skills

• Collaborative team member who works effectively in multi‑disciplinary project and field teams.
• Proficient in policies and procedures for Health and Safety, including client‑specific training, leading by example, and applying Health and Safety policies and procedures as appropriate to their work.
• Ability to coordinate with project managers to conduct work efficiently and within project scope, budget and schedule expectations.
• Demonstrable background, knowledge, and experience with the flora, fauna, and vegetative communities of southern California.
• Experience in conducting floristic botanical surveys, reconnaissance wildlife surveys, and species‑specific protocol surveys.
• Experience with and/or permits for arroyo toad, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, Mohave ground squirrel, and/or desert tortoise will be considered a plus.
• Possession of a California Scientific Collecting Permit, State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and/or federal Recovery Permit for one or more special‑status species will be considered a plus.
• Qualifications and/or experience with being considered a USFWS‑approved biologist for one or more federally listed species and/or a CDFW‑approved Designated Biologist (DB) will be considered a plus, particularly for desert tortoise and Mohave ground squirrel.
• Wetland delineation training certificate and/or demonstrable experience in conducting jurisdictional waters/aquatic resources delineations will be considered a plus.
• Possess strong verbal and technical writing skills and have the ability to effectively communicate with team members.
• Contributing to the preparation of technical documentation including biological survey reports, technical memoranda, Biological Resources Technical Reports (BRTRs), and jurisdictional waters delineations and Aquatic Resources Delineation Reports (ARDRs).
• Some familiarity with federal, state, and local environmental regulations and processes, particularly in southern California.
• Experience in compliance monitoring, environmental training, interpretation and application of regulatory requirements, and post‑construction monitoring/reporting on small to large projects.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Experience with using GPS/GIS technology (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, Online, and/or Field Maps) to collect biological resources survey data, map vegetation communities, and delineate jurisdictional waters.
• Must have ability to travel.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• OSHA HAZWOPER 40 certification may need to be obtained prior to employment.

Education and Experience

BS and/or MS degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, or a related field with a minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience. Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather. Ability to lift and move items and equipment up to 50 lbs.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Pay Range

• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas - $62,500.00 - $90,600.00 Annually
• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA areas - $67,000.00 - $97,200.00 Annually

Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part‑time roles will be pro‑rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.

Benefits Summary

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 (AD&D) 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 will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).

Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.

The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.