Field Biologist (Field Based) at ERM West Inc in Irvine, California

Job Description:

ERM is hiring multiple experienced Field Biologists to conduct habitat suitability assessments and pre-construction clearance surveys for utility projects in Riverside County, CA. This role is a temporary contract position. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a challenging and changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project.  The role of a consulting field biologist requires technical skills, as well as, strong organizational and communication skills.  This is a full-time, limited-term, 1-year consulting role with possibility of renewal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct pedestrian field surveys including pre-construction clearance surveys for nesting bird, special status species as well as habitat assessments and construction monitoring within the Southern California Edison (SCE) service territory in Riverside County.

• Construction monitoring will require coordination with construction crews and working on an active construction site in order to provide direction to crews for maintaining project compliance and other client requirements.

• Experience with collecting field data using sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and sound map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography).

• Complete reporting and detailed survey results on a daily basis.


• Other duties as assigned or required.


• Compliance with ERM’s rigorous safety program.


• Biologist may also be tasked with conducting desktop constraints analysis using ArcGIS Online. Desktop constraint reviews require an understanding of digitally available resource layers and ability to learn quickly in a high-paced environment.

REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 2+ years of Avian Biology Experience required. Expertise related to any of the following species a plus: Southwestern Willow Fly Catcher, Burrowing Owl, Spotted Owl, Eagles/raptors, Least Bell’s Vireo, California Gnatcatcher and Western yellow-billed cuckoo.


• Familiarity with nesting bird survey protocols and/or general bird identification skills required.


• Experience with other special status species preferred but not required: Fairy shrimp, Western Spadefoot, Arroyo toad, CA Red-Legged Frog, Yellow Legged Frog subspecies, San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat, Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat, Western Pond Turtle, and Desert Tortoise.


• Previous Construction Monitoring experience is highly preferred.


• Familiarity with and/or work experience in the Western Riverside MSHCP is preferred, but not required.

• Ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and able to navigate challenging terrain on foot is required.


• Work locations are often remote and requires the ability to work independently.

• Must be detailed in written documentation of field survey processes and results.


• Must have strong organizational skills and written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work in the field for extended periods and maintain a positive attitude.


• Willingness and ability to travel with overnight stays possible.


• Demonstrate independent and effective problem solving and decision making skills.


• Excellent time-management and follow-through skills


• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and changing work environment


• Possess a valid driver’s license.


• Fluency in English and Spanish highly preferred.