Biologist/Construction Monitor

Olofson Environmental, Inc. is hiring Qualified Biologists and Construction Monitors for construction monitoring on a pier reconstruction project in Benicia, CA, starting in July 2023. While we are focused on hiring for this project, additional opportunities may be available for the right candidate(s).

Olofson Environmental, Inc. (OEI), is a small environmental resource consulting firm located in Oakland, CA. We specialize in habitat restoration, permit acquisition and compliance, and biological resource monitoring. We are dedicated to meeting our clients’ needs with the highest professional standards while remaining committed to the stewardship of California’s natural resources. Our projects are primarily focused on the conservation, monitoring, and restoration of tidal wetlands and the plants and animals that inhabit them.

For this project, the primary environmental concerns are for marine species, especially fish, that may be affected by pile driving.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Understanding and interpreting resource agency permit requirements
• Biological compliance monitoring during construction work on, over, or near water
• Preparing daily compliance reports
• Using GPS technology, navigating and recording data in the field
• Collecting data using electronic and/or paper datasheets
• Providing environmental training to construction crews
• Responding to other project needs
• Reporting potential permit violations to appropriate permitting agencies and ordering work stoppage if necessary

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of five years combined academic and professional experience in biological sciences and related resource management activities
• Minimum of two years of experience monitoring or surveying marine and anadromous fish and fish habitat
• Experience working as a biological monitor with construction crews
• Familiarity with water quality and hydroacoustic monitoring desired but not required
• Ability to follow project-specific field protocols, record keeping, and data entry procedures
• Work well independently and in a team setting, with good communication skills
• Flexibility with changing tasks and schedules, often with little advance notice
• Willingness to work on weekends (with overtime pay)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must be willing and able to:

• Spend long periods outdoors in potentially adverse field conditions (high winds, sun, rain)
• Comfortably lift and carry at least 30 pounds
• Swim, and be comfortable on and around boats and piers

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• All OEI field staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before beginning work
• Able to work multiple consecutive 8-12 hour days, including weekends, with the understanding that work hours will vary based on construction schedule and weather conditions
• Must have a driver’s license, a good driving record, use of a car, and proof of automobile insurance.
• Must hold a valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), or obtain one via a process similar to TSA Pre-check, in order to work on the job site. Successful candidates will be reimbursed for the cost of a new TWIC card.
• Must provide own standard field gear, such as suitable clothing, safety-toe boots, backpack, and sun protection. OEI will provide other technical gear and personal protective equipment (PPE), as needed

HOURS & PAY RATE

Work will begin on or around July 1, 2023, and will continue through April 1, 2024, depending on project completion. Hours are variable from 0 to 70 hours/week based on project needs, but typically average 35-45 hours over 3-4 days per week. Weekly and daily hours will vary depending on construction project schedules; some weeks may have little to no work and other weeks may require >40 hours. Hours on other projects may be available on slower weeks. Work may start as early as 5 a.m. and end as late as 9 p.m. At least one day of weekend work will be required most weeks. Construction that requires monitoring is permitted to occur seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Ten-hour shifts on-site are typical for construction monitoring, but shifts may run as long as sunrise to sundown.

Compensation is $35-50/hour, based on experience, plus full benefit package. Overtime is paid at time- and-a-half, double time on weekends. A daily stipend for mileage and travel time is provided at $100 per day.

APPLICATION & IMPORTANT DATES

To apply, e-mail a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to: jobs@olofsonenvironmental.com. Specify “Construction Monitor Application” in the email subject line and address the cover letter to Brian Ort.

Priority given to applications received by Friday, June 30, 2023. Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled. Interviews will be scheduled as qualified applications are received.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Questions regarding this position should be directed to jobs@olofsonenvironmental.com.