Wildlife Biologist / Biological Monitor

Sapere Environmental is a specialty environmental consulting firm providing comprehensive services in biological resource management, construction monitoring and compliance, mitigation monitoring, environmental education training, environmental permitting, and preparing CEQA/NEPA natural resources documents. We also offer supplementary services, including wildlife exclusion fencing, camera trapping, and canine scent detection services. Certified as a Microbusiness/Small Business Enterprise by the State of California Department of General Services, Office of Small Business, and recognized as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business, Sapere Environmental is based in San Francisco and serves public and private sector clients throughout California.

Our team, composed of in-house experts and a statewide network of biologists, allows us to undertake various projects involving various tasks, special-status species, and environments. Our employees and associates are leaders in their fields, delivering the highest quality biological services. We value the close relationships we build with our clients, which is characteristic of a small firm, and prioritize responsiveness and tailored approaches to meet our client's needs. 

Job Description

We are seeking biologists in the Northern California area with construction monitoring experience to serve as qualified biological monitors for multiple ongoing projects in Northern California, including the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento Valley, and Redding, Stockton, Mendocino, Humboldt, Marin, and Sonoma, cities and counties. This is a full-time, project(s)-specific position with an anticipated duration of six months. There may be opportunities to work on additional projects based on experience, training, and project needs. The work is primarily field-based, but qualified candidates may also be required to prepare biological reports as needed. Previous monitoring and surveying experience is required, and prior approval as a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) biologist is preferred. Job training will be provided for project-specific construction monitoring, preconstruction, and protocol-level surveys, Geographic Information System (GIS) field data collection, reporting, and more. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in monitoring marine mammals, giant garter snakes, California red-legged frogs, California tiger salamanders, burrowing owls, and/or western pond turtles.

Employment is contingent upon the candidate's approval by the USFWS and/or CDFW as a "Qualified Biologist" or "Biological Monitor" on a project-by-project basis. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their relevant work experience with California listed and special-status species, handling permits (if applicable), construction monitoring, project experience, and other pertinent experience. Upon approval, Sapere will coordinate with the candidate for onboarding and determine project scheduling and estimated work hours. This is an opportunity for seasonal full-time employment with potential on-going full-time work.

Responsibilities & Duties

Duties will vary by project, but generally include:

• Field surveys, including protocol-level species surveys and habitat assessments.
• Construction & environmental compliance monitoring.
• Prepare technical reports (daily, weekly, summary) to document survey results and environmental compliance.
• Complete accurate and thorough daily environmental compliance monitoring forms for submittal to Clients, CDFW, USFWS, and NMFS.
• Contribute to the development of CEQA/NEPA documents, biological evaluations and assessments, mitigation plans, and associated documents.
• Review applicable permits (e.g., CDFW Streambed Alteration Agreement, CDFW Incidental Take Statements, USFWS/NMFS Biological Opinion, etc.) to become well-versed in compliance requirements and your role onsite.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients and construction personnel.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required (travel, meals, and lodging paid).
• Work independently and with a team on projects of various sizes.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in wildlife biology, ecology, botany, environmental studies, wildlife management, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum two (2) years of related experience in construction compliance monitoring and biological surveys.
• Formal training and research may apply to this requirement.
• Survey and monitoring experience with nesting birds (active nest monitoring preferred).
• Demonstrated experience and working knowledge of Northern and Central California flora and fauna.
• Good writing and proofreading skills to produce daily/weekly monitoring compliance reports, preconstruction survey reports, or similar reports with minimal editing required.
• Strong written and communication skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Have a reliable source of transportation, driver’s license, and good driving record.
• Able to work remotely with access to a computer and high-speed internet.
• Willing to work 8-12-hour days subject to overtime and/or weekend work to accommodate construction schedules.
• Able to work outside for extended periods, subject to natural elements and inclement weather.
• Be reliable and punctual.

Desired Qualifications:

• 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Prior survey/monitoring experience for one or more of the following: marine mammals, giant garter snakes, foothill yellow-legged frogs, California red-legged frogs, western pond turtles, burrowing owls, roosting bats, nesting birds, and special-status plants.
• Prior experience performing environmental awareness training for construction crews.
• Plant identification skills are desired but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Working knowledge of relevant environmental regulatory permits (e.g., CDFW 1600/ITP, USFWS/NMFS BO, RWQCB, CWA 401).
• Experience with ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, and/or ESRI field data collectors (FieldMaps, Survey 123).
• Willing to work on remote jobs requiring overnight stays (paid travel time and per diem included).

Benefits:

• If overnight travel is required, per diem is paid at GSA-published rates for the city and county of the project location.
• Mileage will be reimbursed at GSA-published rates for privately-owned vehicles.
• Paid travel time to/from job sites. Medical and dental insurance is offered at 3 months from the hire date.
• 401K package offered at 3 months from date of hire. One year from the hire date, the company matches up to 4%

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to info@sapereenv.com.

You will receive a confirmation email when your submission has been reviewed and further instructions will be provided at that time. Thank you for applying!