Senior Biologist

Job Title: Senior Biologist/Botanist

Location: Reno, Nevada; employee must reside in Nevada

Absolutely Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or Related Field and Minimum 10 Years Experience Conducting Field Surveys and Developing Biological Assessments/Evaluations

Targeted Specialists: Wildlife Biologist, Botanist, Plant Ecologist

Reporting to: Senior Biologist/Senior Scientist 2

Summary: Seeking a senior biologist, botanist, or plant ecologist with extensive knowledge of and field experience with Great Basin and Mojave Desert flora and fauna, as well as experience with developing all portions of survey reports, biological assessments, biological elements of NEPA documents, conservation/mitigation plans, and other related documents.

Responsibilities may include supervising and conducting surveys for rare/protected plants, non-native/noxious weeds, migratory birds, sage grouse, western pond turtles, and other natural resources. May include oversight function in implementing mitigation and monitoring compliance for construction projects, collection/management of data, and development of biological resource reports and other environmental documents under the supervision of a Senior Biologist/Senior Scientist 2. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (and other duties as assigned):

• Supervising and implementing field surveys, data collection, compliance monitoring, and other activities in accordance with agency- or industry-established field protocols, while following the company’s professional standards and safety procedures established for the project/conditions.
• Overseeing collection, management, synthesis, and summarization of large volumes of environmental data in an effective, efficient manner.
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, subconsultants, clients, resource agency personnel, construction crews, and the public as required.
• Oversee and manage daily activities, including project/task prioritization, resource allocation, task assignments, project coordination, and deliverable/milestone tracking.
• Ensure project documents are technically accurate, complete, current, and stored appropriately.
• Work effectively as a member of a diverse team with common goals, as well as independently on specific tasks.
• Manage tasks/projects as appropriate to experience level and under oversight from Management.
• Track and report work hours and expenses daily.
• Track lessons learned to share with team members.
• Continually seek opportunities to enhance the company’s value to our clients, our community, and our environment.
• Effectively market biological resources support services in coordination with the Senior Biologist/Senior Scientist 2 and others to grow the Nevada team.

Education and/or Experience:  A bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, wildlife sciences, natural resources management, or related discipline required. Master’s degree preferred.

Required experience includes:

• Must possess or immediately obtain a Nevada Driver’s License, Clean Motor Vehicle Record, and ability to safely drive 4wd vehicle in rugged terrain.
• Safety oriented mindset with the determination to follow procedures and policies.
• Ability and willingness to travel; walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, remote locations, and rugged terrain; and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds required.
• Extensive experience supervising and conducting surveys for wildlife, plants, and/or other resources in the Great Basin or Mojave Deserts.
• Experience managing an office or team of biologists and other resource specialists in a consultant or similar situation in field and office scenario.

Preferred experience includes:

• Experience developing or managing professional contacts resulting in marketing and business opportunities.
• Experience in developing data quality objectives and in performing quality assurance/quality control of deliverables.
• Experience recording thorough and accurate technical data and other field observations on data forms, field notes, and/or electronic data systems.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite of software and applications required. Proficiency with Adobe suite of software and ArcGIS, including data management and map production.
• Proficiency with use of GPS units for mapping, data logging, and data management required.
• Ability to read maps and basic construction plans.
  Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in the company’s culture and professional setting.
• Experience working with clients, construction crews, and co-workers at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task.

Physical Demands: The ability to hike over uneven and steep terrain for several miles in the desert environment in extreme weather conditions may be required. Lifting objects up to 40 pounds may be necessary. Driving four-wheel-drive vehicles on unmaintained roads, off-road, and over paved roads for extended periods of time to access isolated project sites may be required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: Highly variable, based on tasks assigned, and may include standard office environment; outdoors in variable conditions; active construction sites; informal public outreach/meeting venues; and formal meeting venues. Work will be performed primarily in Southern Nevada and in-State, with some out-of-State travel required to conduct project-related activities. The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The ideal candidate is willing to train and mentor junior staff, develop innovative programs and markets as appropriate, and cross-train into other areas of environmental consulting, including supporting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document development, grant application development, agency/public outreach, and proposal development.