Field Biologist (Marine Mammal Monitoring Emphasis)

We are seeking a mid-level Biologist to join our growing team to provide environmental support, including conducting special-status species and marine mammal surveys, biological monitoring, reporting, and environmental inspections. Location flexible within the Bay Area.

As a Biologist for Surf to Snow Environmental Resource Management (S2S) you will use your technical expertise to support a variety of projects. You will work under the direction of more senior biologists and/or project managers and may serve as project manager for small/medium sized projects. You will collaborate on interdisciplinary teams and use independent judgment. You will need strong verbal/written communication skills and effective problem-solving skills. You will be working outdoors in all types of weather, sometimes in physically challenging environments. Biological fieldwork can require working at night, boat travel as a passenger, and long shifts, including starting your day before dawn or working through the night for some projects. This position will require periodic weekends and long hours, typically with advance notice. Frequent travel and overnight travel will be required.

Position specific tasks to include: 

• Conducting special-status wildlife and/or botanical protocol, reconnaissance surveys, including nesting bird surveys
• Conducting biological monitoring or studies, environmental inspections, marine mammal monitoring, construction compliance monitoring
• Creating and presenting environmental training materials to construction crews
• Assisting in preparing environmental documents including biological resources sections of CEQA/NEPA documents, biological assessments or evaluations assessing project impacts on listed species, biological constraints reports
• Managing field data; timely preparing reports and client deliverables; may include QA/QC of biology deliverables
• May be assigned as Project Manager and/or fill-in for Project Manager of small/medium-sized projects
• Marine mammal monitoring, including 12-hour+ night shifts and boat travel as a passenger
• Supporting special projects

Qualifications:

• BS or BA degree in Biology, Ecology, Botany, or related field
• At least 3 years of relevant industry experience, such as utility, transportation, and construction environmental compliance
• Experience conducting pre-construction surveys for California special-status species, including nesting birds and marine mammals (experience with agency protocols and listed species a plus)
• Experience conducting surveys for wildlife habitats, reviewing projects for potential impacts to sensitive species, and writing biological reports
• Knowledge of California’s biological resources with a strength in wildlife and/or wetland ecology
• Basic understanding of Federal ESA, California ESA, CEQA, and NEPA Basic understanding of GIS principals
• Strong data collection, critical thinking, and technical writing skills
• Experience in GIS/GPS field data collection/mapping and strong navigational skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Valid CA driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Availability for regular travel and overnight stays and willingness to work on a variety of projects within and outside of the Bay Area

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS in Biology, Ecology, Botany, or related field
• At least one field season marine mammal survey experience (NOAA Approved Marine Wildlife Observer a plus)
• USFWS 10(a)(1)(A) Permit and/or CDFW Scientific Collecting Permits; experience with California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, spotted owl, San Joaquin kit fox, or other listed species
• Experience working with utilities and federal clients
• Qualified for more than one taxonomic group
• Willingness to and/or experience supporting stormwater projects
• 4WD experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is typically performed in both an outside and office environment. Related occupational hazards include: heat, cold, odors, smoke, wetness, dusts, toxic agents, noise, and machinery. May be exposed to ticks, wildlife, and COVID-19. Valley Fever may be present in the soil at some job sites. Will need to stay in a hotel or camp for some assignments. May need to work with or talk to various project or site personnel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to:

• Move or carry job related objects or materials up to 25 lbs
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and balance for the purpose of performing inspections
• Walk/hike several miles on uneven terrain, sometimes up/down slopes. May need to cross waterways. Must be comfortable working at night
• Work in all weather conditions, including heat and rainy weather
• Drive to/from jobs sites, sometimes spending most of the workday driving

Who We Are:

Surf To Snow Environmental Resource Management (S2S) is a full-service environmental consulting firm that supports Clients and other strategic partners in all major lines of business, general construction, including electric transmission, gas transmission, power generation, distribution/facilities support, environmental permitting, and site restoration projects. Founded in 2008, we are a California-based disabled veteran-owned business. With a strong technical background and the ability to be flexible and responsive to our clients’ needs, S2S is uniquely qualified to provide a multitude of environmental services to our clients while helping to meet diverse regulatory requirements. S2S provides planning, permitting, project management, compliance monitoring, stormwater, and site restoration services that result in the successful, timely, on-budget completion of a project while meeting regulatory requirements and preserving the surrounding ecosystem. http://www.s2serm.com

Benefits include:

• Great dental, heath, and vision insurance
• Employer paid life insurance
• Paid time off
• 11 paid company holidays per year
• 401K contribution matching
• Access to Employee Assistance Program

The pay range for this position is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Actual pay will be based upon a range of factors including, but not limited to, experience, education, level of responsibility, skills, abilities and overall alignment with market data for similar functions.

Interested in S2S but this position isn’t quite right for you? Check out our website for more opportunities!

https://s2serm.com/opportunities/