Senior Field Biologist (on call)

AECOM; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 83,000 - 107,000; Part time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Senior Field Biologist for a part-time, on-call project-based role reporting to the Honolulu team. The position supports natural resource projects by leading biological surveys, vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, monitoring and habitat restoration in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

This remote, field-based role requires the ability to travel to assignments and work in varied environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related field.
• 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency on Hawaii/Pacific Islands projects.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass an MVR check.
• US Citizenship required.
• 10+ years of relevant experience (preferred).
• Experience managing project tasks, budgets, and leading technical reports reviews.
• Familiarity with permit application requirements.
• Experience in client-facing roles.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Experience in environmental consulting and proposal development.

Responsibilities

• Lead field survey teams for rare species in Hawaii and Pacific Islands.
• Identify rare invertebrates and avian species.
• Survey invasive species and manage habitat assessments.
• Lead survey methodologies including acoustic detectors.
• Collect data and prepare field reports for analysis.
• Work with clients and internal teams on projects.
• Mentor junior staff and manage scheduling and budgets.

Skills

Field surveys

Data collection

Team leadership

GPS / GIS data

Communication skills

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/ecology

Tools

GPS

Acoustic detectors

Job description

Company Description

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Senior Field Biologist

This is a part-time, on-call project-based role reporting to our Honolulu team. This position would support natural resource projects by leading biological surveys, vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, monitoring and habitat restoration. This is a remote and primarily field-based position requiring the ability to be local on assignments in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

Responsibilities

• Lead field survey teams to identify and/or monitor for rare, threatened and endangered plant and wildlife species in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
• Identify rare invertebrates such as Blackburn’s Sphinx Moth, fruit or Hawaiian hoary bats, and avian species including forest, seabirds and wetland bird species.
• Identify common non-native species, invasive and noxious plant and animal species, including invertebrates such as Little Fire Ants and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles.
• Lead survey methodologies that are appropriate for the species including acoustic detectors.
• Conduct field surveys and monitoring as part of a team or alone.
• Conduct surveys in a diversity of habitat including thick vegetation, exposed and rugged limestone and lava fields, airport tarmac or wetland environments.
• Collect and document scientific data such that it can be used for statistical analysis, population surveys and regulatory compliance.
• Utilize electronic data collection methods (including GPS); manage, interpret, and analyze data, and prepare field reports.
• Work professionally with clients and internal staff on complex projects involving biological resource protection, permitting, mitigation, and/or restoration.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level field staff as needed.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Work independently and as part of a team; be innovative and a problem solver.
• Work under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member.
• Independently manage tasks and/or oversee project teams.

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line

Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it. We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related field.
• 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education as a task lead or Project Manager on projects in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands involving habitat assessments, wildlife and botanical surveys, environmental permitting, and/or construction monitoring.
• A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
• US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Experienced in managing project tasks, budgets and a lead reviewer of technical reports.
• Familiarity with permit application requirements, and the typical challenges and strategies related to environmental permitting.
• Prior experience in a client-facing role is highly desired.
• Working knowledge of state and federal environmental protections.
• Familiar with the agencies having jurisdiction over special-status species.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with both clients and internal staff.
• Good organizational skills and a strong detail-oriented work style.
• Prior experience in environmental consulting.
• Experienced in developing project scopes and estimating project costs.
• Marketing and proposal experience.

Additional Information

Relocation is not available for this position. This posting is for a current vacancy, and AECOM intends to fill this position by January 11, 2027. At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Benefits

Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. AECOM is a global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

Company Culture

What makes AECOM a great place to work? You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Location & Compensation

State/Province: Hawaii

Business Group: DCS

Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc

Business Line: Environment

Work Location Model: Remote

Operating Group: Americas

Primary Location: US - Honolulu, HI - 1001 Bishop St

Compensation: USD 60.00 - USD 78.00 - hourly