Wildlife Biologist, Compliance Specialist

Wra Ca; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Wra Ca is seeking a qualified wildlife biologist in San Francisco, California to manage compliance monitoring on various projects. The role involves training staff and ensuring compliance during project implementations.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in wildlife biology or ecology, a strong understanding of California's wildlife, and 5-8 years of relevant experience. A competitive salary of $98,000 to $126,000 is offered, along with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in wildlife biology, ecological consulting, and compliance monitoring.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of California’s wildlife species and applicable regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the compliance monitoring stage of multiple projects.
• Work directly with clients to navigate permit compliance requirements.
• Train and mentor field staff on natural resource protection.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Analytical mindset

Education

Degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project tracking platforms (e.g., VantagePoint, Asana)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Managing the compliance monitoring stage of multiple projects concurrently, including managing compliance monitoring staff, their schedules, duties, and project reporting.
• Working with WRA team leaders, project managers, and field staff to maintain, document, and report on permit compliance through project implementation.
• Work directly with clients to strategically navigate permit compliance requirements during project implementation.
• Training and mentoring field staff on natural resource protection means and measures based on best available science.
• Lead and report on surveys for various species and sensitive habitats during various project phases, including project implementation.
• Author, conduct, and maintain records for awareness training on species, safety, and compliance monitoring for biologists and project personnel.
• Providing creative strategies and recommendations for avoiding and minimizing project effects on sensitive wildlife and habitats.
• Preparing scopes of work and supporting competitive proposal efforts.
• Working collaboratively on sustainable business practices that align with firm Mission and Vision.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Must reside within approximately 45 minutes of one of WRA’s Northern California offices (San Rafael, Petaluma, or Emeryville) and work at least part‑time at a Bay Area office.
• Field shifts may include nights and weekends during the busy season (June–November); flexibility during December–April.
• Will be required to travel to field sites and meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field.
• 5‑8 years of professional experience in wildlife biology, ecological consulting, and compliance monitoring on construction projects.
• Extensive knowledge of California’s wildlife species, habitats, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Proven experience with project implementation, including fieldwork, staff management, and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively to a lay audience.
• Project and/or task management experience, including staffing and maintaining project schedules and budgets.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams throughout the firm.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new project management and field data systems quickly.
• Experience using or managing tasks in project tracking and communication platforms such as VantagePoint, Asana, or similar tools.
• Willingness and availability to accept field shifts when other staff are unavailable, including nights and weekends.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, especially when managing multiple projects with shifting field logistics and deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to health and safety, with experience preparing Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs), conducting safety briefings, and contributing to incident reporting and investigations as needed.
• Scientific curiosity and wonder for the natural world.
• Analytical mindset and ability to find creative solutions.
• Strong leadership skills.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel to field sites and meetings.
• Ability to walk, hike, and work outdoors for long periods of time.
• Federal Recovery permit, and/or State MOU, or equivalent experience.
• Previous agency approvals as CDFW Designated Biologist, or USFWS Approved Biologist.
• Command of environmental permitting processed including USFWS, CDFW, and CEQA.
• Published research or contributions to scientific literature in the field of wildlife biology.

Salary range: $98,000 – $126,000.

WRA is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to creating a diverse environment. We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.