Biological Resources Coordinator

Sapphos Environmental, Inc. is seeking a full-time Biological Resources Coordinator to conduct biological monitoring of construction activities, biological surveys, and report preparation for environmental compliance, inventory, and inspection work. The ideal candidate would have at least one year of field experience in California, appropriate permits and licenses, and an ability to produce technical advisory writing compliant with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) / National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) guidelines. Preference will be given to candidates having previous experience working with southern California species such as burrowing owl, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, Tipton kangaroo rat, San Joaquin kit fox, and blunt-nosed leopard lizard.
Responsibilities

• Demonstrate professional knowledge, skills, and experiences in the field of biology and/or related natural resources disciplines:
• Biological resources regulatory framework
• CEQA/NEPA
• Biological expertise and practices consistent with USFWS and CDFW guidelines as main focus
• Field work in various environments and diverse weather conditions
• Technical writing
• Research
• Software and equipment
• Conduct biological monitoring of construction sites and activities to ensure environmental compliance.
• Attend meetings with clients at the request of project managers to provide expertise and consultation related to biological resources. Advise and assist coworkers regarding biological resources issues.
• Write technically and procedurally adequate, legally defensible, organized, accurate, and grammatically correct technical documents.
• With at least one other team member, conduct thorough biological surveys of project sites, often in remote locations, based on CDFW and/or USFWS guidelines. Navigate and collect data using a GPS device. Travel for multiple consecutive days may be required. Data collected will be appropriately recorded and incorporated into technical documents.
• Under direction of biological resources manager, develop and/or refine templates for biological resources technical documents procedures for biological resources investigations.
• As required by project scope or directed by biological resources manager, coordinate with the USFWS, CDFW, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, California High-Speed Rail Authority, and other appropriate agencies and parties.
• Maintain appropriate permits and licenses, including state collecting permit.
• Identify appropriate resources in preparing technical documents, including primary and secondary sources.
• Maintain the administrative record for all projects as specified in company procedures.
• As required by the project scope, make competent, accurate, well-prepared, and illustrated public presentations and participate in project-related public meetings (scoping, public review, and certification).
• Assist in marketing efforts and development of project proposals.
• Assist in scheduling, logistical coordination, and budget and resource management for projects.
• When required for project scope of work, identify appropriate subcontractors and supervise subcontractor work performance.

Requirements

• Master's Degree OR Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of experience. Degree in in Biology or closely related field.
• 1+ years of biological fieldwork experience in California.
• Background producing reports, assessments, and reviews of compliance documentation under CEQA/NEPA, USFWS, and CDFW guidelines.
• Extensive knowledge of avian biology, mammalogy, and herpetofauna a PLUS.
• Experience with conducting small mammal surveys and/or live-trapping a PLUS.
• Experience with botanical resources a PLUS.
• Travel to assessment sites up to five times per week.
• Work effectively under minimal supervision.
• Capacity to excel in a teamwork-driven environment.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills to deliver results in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates solid written and verbal communication skills.
• State collecting permit preferred. Other species-specific permits a PLUS.

Additional Information

• Status: Exempt
• Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage. 401k/Roth retirement accounts, flexible spending account, generous PTO package with up to 12 paid holidays (2 more after one year), annual training allotment, annual gym allotment, monthly public transportation stipend, dog-friendly office and more.