Biologist/Ecologist

Biologist/Ecologist

MIG, Inc. is a national firm specializing in environmental planning, design, communications, management, science, and technology. We believe that the environment around us has a profound impact on our lives, and our shared vision is of a world where people, communities, and ecosystems thrive. For over 40 years, MIG has engaged the talents and vitality of top professionals who plan, design, and sustain communities that connect people to the environment and to each other. Our team members are passionate about their work and share a common desire to engage closely with our clients and the communities impacted by our work.

We are seeking an entry- to mid-level Biologist/Ecologist to join our California biological resources team in our San Jose office. This position has opportunity for growth and can be part-time or full-time, depending on the candidate’s preference and availability. MIG supports a hybrid work-from-home/remote and in-office schedule, but we encourage in-person work for learning and team-building opportunities.

Responsibilities – What You’ll Accomplish

• Collaborative Teammate: You will work as part of a cross-office, cross-discipline team to conduct a variety of field surveys and assessments and prepare biological reports and biological resource sections of environmental documents. This team specializes in finding solutions to complex technical and regulatory environments in planning, design, and management of the built and natural environment.
• Project Work: You will work individually or with a team on projects that can occur throughout California and may include work with our southern California offices. You can expect to work on:
  • Habitat assessments and site surveys in a variety of ecosystems
  • Focused surveys for special-status species
  • Biological Assessments in support of Biological Opinions
  • CEQA/NEPA biological impact analyses
  • Caltrans biological documents
  • Construction monitoring and nesting bird surveys
  • Jurisdictional waters/wetland delineations and regulatory permitting
  • GIS analysis and mapping
  • Report preparation for technical biology reports and CEQA/NEPA documents
  • HCP consistency analyses
  • Project management and sales support
• Supporting Project Management: As you gain experience, you will build project management and marketing skills by assisting with scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and client communications, as well as interacting with client and agency staff.
• Project Types: You will be involved in field work and reporting supporting environmental impact assessments and environmental compliance for public and private-sector clients. Our projects include infrastructure, institutional facilities, parks and recreation, and private development.

MIG works on projects nationwide; some travel, evening, and weekend work will be required for field work, site evaluations or to meet deadlines. MIG encourages a sustainable and healthy work-life balance, and these excess hours can be offset during the week when possible.

Experience and Qualifications for Success – What We’d Like to See

As a successful candidate, you will be able to manage time and competing priorities, think critically and creatively, work as part of a collaborative team, and maintain a sense of humor and camaraderie. In addition, you have some combination of the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, or related natural resources field (a Master’s degree in a complementary field is a plus).
• You are available to work a hybrid schedule in the San Jose office as needed to work closely with the team.
• Relevant experience in environmental consulting, natural resource planning and management, or a closely related field. Experience managing projects a plus, but not required.
• Familiarity with plant species identification using a dichotomous key; California wetland types and state and federal regulatory permitting processes; aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species identification and habitat assessment in CA; and/or construction monitoring/management and worker environmental awareness training.
• As a plus, you have both field and report experience and professional skills associated with an area of specialty experience, such as jurisdictional waters/wetland delineations, botanical surveys, and/or regional special-status wildlife species.
• You are professional and organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• You can safely conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain and weather conditions as necessary.
• You have excellent verbal communication and analytical and technical writing skills, including the ability to convey technical information in a clear, concise manner.
• You are an adaptable teammate who is willing to pitch in and help others, but can also work well independently.
• Software proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Pro. ArcGIS a plus, but not required.

How to Apply

If this position sounds like a fit for your skillsets, and you are passionate about improving the communities and environments in which we recreate, live, and work, we would love to hear from you! Please email your resume and a descriptive cover letter (PDFs preferred) to hr@migcom.com.

MIG values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer; we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Our teams enjoy a flexible work schedule, a rewarding work environment, and a creative atmosphere that allows for professional development and career advancement opportunities while promoting team spirit and genuine camaraderie. We offer a comprehensive benefits program including paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, FSA, and HRA with employer contributions and 401K matching. This is a full-time, hourly position and eligible for overtime. The pay range for the full-time position with benefits is $32-$40/hour, commensurate with location, skills, and experience. The pay range for part-time positions with no benefits is $50-100/hour, commensurate with location, skills, and experience.