Project Biologist

Sequoia Ecological Consulting; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative work environment

Professional development opportunities

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Job summary

An environmental consulting firm based in Walnut Creek is seeking an Associate Biologist to lead projects and contribute to environmental permitting and compliance efforts. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's in Biology and have 3-6 years of relevant fieldwork experience. Responsibilities include interacting with clients, preparing technical reports, and conducting biological surveys. The role may require significant travel within California, with a focus on biodiversity protection and teamwork. A commitment to professional development and a collaborative culture is emphasized.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Able to work long field days and traverse difficult terrain.
• Experience with wildlife fieldwork and technical report writing is required.

Responsibilities

• Act as field lead on projects and support Staff Biologists.
• Prepare Biological resources technical reports for complex projects.
• Interact with clients on a weekly basis and support permit applications.

Skills

Project management

Biological fieldwork

Communication skills

GIS Mapping tools

MS Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field

Master's Degree may substitute for experience

Job description

About Us

Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc. (Sequoia) is a small, woman-owned environmental consulting firm that specializes in environmental planning, wildlife and fish biology, botanical, and arboricultural services from the planning stages through permitting and compliance during project implementation. We serve federal, state, and local public agencies, as well as private clients throughout California. Sequoia’s team develops creative solutions to complex projects through proactive planning, collaboration, and attention to detail.

Summary Description

You’re Excited about this Opportunity Because…

You share our values. You will thrive supporting environmental permitting and compliance projects based in our Walnut Creek office. You will leverage your understanding of biology, state and federal regulations, and project management to lead moderately complex projects or programs located throughout California for a variety of clients. We are looking for a dynamic individual who enjoys working independently and with teams. You are experienced in project management and coordination, deliverable oversight and QAQC, business development, field survey coordination, impacts analysis, permit assessments, and report preparation for biological work. This individual will be a member of the Sequoia supervisory team and will supervise 2-4 team members. Travel may be necessary, with mostly day trips within the Sacramento and/or San Francisco Bay areas. Occasional overnight travel will also be expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as field lead on projects, including supporting Staff Biologists and Field Techs
• Interpret compliance packages, permits and project scopes to ensure compliance in the field
• Prepare Biological resources technical reports and/or habitat restoration plans for moderately complex projects.
• Participate in field mapping of existing biological resources for large and/or complex projects
• Write sound Biological Constraints Analyses. Consistently show thoughtful reasoning on impacts, impact avoidance measures, and recommendations. Assess potential constraints to development and construction based on documented conditions and applicable laws/regulations protecting biological resources (such as Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act) and assess potential effects on biological resources of proposed developments or actions.
• Prepare documents that are consistently free of glaring or repeated technical and grammatical errors.
• Interact/Coordinate with clients on a weekly basis
• Support permit applications through completion of the application, project descriptions and species accounts.
• Perform protocol-level and/or focused surveys for sensitive (e.g., federally listed Threatened or Endangered) plant or animal species.
• Develop cost estimates and scopes of work for complex construction compliance projects, under the direct supervision of a Principal
• Assist with marketing proposals
• Attend site walk-downs and pre-bid meetings
• Create and perform biological trainings for construction and/or operation crews.
• May act as a Project Coordinator to coordinate complex projects, resources and schedule
• Function as an Associate Biologist (Bio II) as needed
• Consistently comply with all company administrative and technical policies and procedures, including time and expense reporting, standard operating procedures and other company directives.

We’re Excited about You Because You…

Have these minimum qualifications and knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, English, business administration, engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated success working as an Associate Biologist (Bio II)
• Lead projects independently with minimal supervision
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or related field
• The equivalent of a minimum of 3 to 6 years of full-time wildlife fieldwork and technical report writing experience and at least 3 of those in California. Master’s Degree may substitute up to 2 years of experience, depending on degree and thesis work. Specialized federal 10(a)1(A) recovery permits and/or state MOUs relevant to Sequoia work may provide an additional year to count towards experience.
• Working understanding of California flora/fauna and regulatory environment
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in MS Office Suite
• Familiar with GIS Mapping tools and able to navigate existing tools
• Approvable as a Project or Designated Biologist level by regulatory agencies for at least one species
• Valid Driver’s License
• Able to work long field days
• Able to traverse difficult terrain
• An insured vehicle in a condition so that it does not leak fluids
• Ability to work long field days and drive long distance
• Must be able to perform fieldwork and/or travel up to 60-75% of time
• Overnight stays up to 25-50% of the time, depending on projects assigned.

Why You’ll Love Working at Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc.

We provide a collaborative, employee-forward working environment. Do you enjoy creating, building, and maintaining long-term relationships in your work and find satisfaction in making a lasting impact in protecting our biodiversity, while also protecting your community? Sequoia is looking for a self-motivated individual who is eager to steer the direction of their career in a company that promotes and supports professional development. We don’t hire candidates to suit the job; we find the work that fulfills our employees and helps them meet their professional goals.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At Sequoia, we create a “safe space” culture focused on fostering employee well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity. We are committed to a more inclusive and diverse workforce, where each employee can reach their full potential without the burden of discrimination or harassment. We strive to maintain a strong culture built upon our shared core values of Respect, Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Sequoia is an equal opportunity employer. We understand that diversity, including human diversity, is the key to the success of all healthy ecosystems. We are a forest of remarkable individuals, standing tall as our authentic selves and as one. At Sequoia, we grow together to form a stable community that is diverse in character and content.