Environmental Scientist III

Job Title: Environmental Scientist III

Absolutely Required: Bachelors Degree in Biology, Experience in Conducting Field Surveys

Targeted Specialist: Biologist/Botanist

Reporting to: Senior Biologist/Project Managers

Summary: Seeking a biologist/botanist with knowledge of and field experience (B.S., min. 8 years) with Great Basin and Mojave Desert flora and fauna, as well as interest and experience developing all or portions of survey reports, biological assessments, NEPA documents, and conservation/mitigation plans. May include conducting surveys for rare/protected plants, non-native/noxious weeds, migratory birds, desert tortoises, and other protected resources. May include implementing mitigation and monitoring compliance for construction projects. Would include collection/management of data and development of biological resource reports and other environmental reports under the supervision of a Project Manager and/or Senior Biologist. May include supporting Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessments, hazardous material surveys and monitoring, grant application development, agency/public outreach, and proposal development. Assignments may require innovative project planning and implementation, as well as strict adherence to regulatory requirements; independent assignments in remote locations or working as part of an interdisciplinary team.

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

• Implement field surveys, data collection, compliance monitoring, and other activities in accordance with agency- or industry-established field protocols, following the company's professional standards, and safety procedures established for the project/conditions.
• Collect, manage, synthesize, and summarize 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.
• Develop project deliverables in accordance with applicable regulatory standards and guidance documents and the company's professional standards within allocated timeframe and budget.
• Monitor evolving environmental laws, policies, regulations, guidelines, and technical protocols relevant to maintaining professional expertise and company assignments.
• Assist Project Managers with daily activities, including project/task prioritization, resource allocation, task assignments, project coordination, and deliverable/milestone tracking.
• Ensure project documents are 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.

Education and/or Experience: A Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, wildlife sciences, natural resources management, or related discipline required. Eight (8) years of professional experience on comparable projects showing increasing responsibility. Preferred experience listed below.

• Knowledge of southwestern US ecosystems, including the ability to identify dominant floral and faunal communities.
• Experience conducting surveys for wildlife, plants, and other resources following specified protocols, including protected and rare species (permits/approvals to survey for rare plants, desert tortoises, eagles, or other species, preferred).
• Experience recording thorough and accurate technical data and other field observations on data forms, field notes, and/or electronic data systems.
• Experience monitoring construction projects for compliance with environmental obligations (prior approval as, or experience level that would ensure approval as Authorized Biologist preferred).
• Knowledge/understanding of State/Federal laws, regulations, and guidelines associated with biological resources, including but not limited to Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, BLM Instructional Memos, and Executive Orders. Experience with requirements in Nevada and California beneficial.
• Experience developing all or parts of Survey Plans, Survey Summary Reports, and Biological Evaluations/Assessments (experience developing EAs/EISs preferred).
• Proficiency with MS Office suite of software and applications required. Proficiency with Adobe suite of software and ArcMAP/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, agency representatives, and co-workers at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Ability and willingness to travel; walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather and rugged terrain; and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds required.
• Safety oriented mindset with the determination to follow all procedures and policies.
• Must possess or immediately obtain a Nevada Driver's License, Clean Motor Vehicle Record, and ability to safely drive 4wd vehicle in rugged terrain required.

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 on unmaintained roads and off-road and over paved roads for extended periods of time to access isolated project sites. 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 accommodations 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; construction sites; informal public outreach/meeting venues; and formal meeting venue; Primarily Local and in-State, with some out-of-State travel may be 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.