AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Field Biologist for part-time, on call employment in the southern/central California and Nevada desert regions. This position would support numerous natural resource projects in the Mojave Desert region of California and Nevada with a focus on conducting biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring primarily for desert tortoise and/or burrowing owl, with potential to assist with vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and/or permitting implementation with support from a senior biologist. This is a field-based, fully remote position requiring the ability to be local on field assignments for extended periods but linked to a Southern California-based office.  Training and/or experience conducting surveys for listed species local to southern California and Nevada desert regions including desert tortoise, burrowing owl, Mojave fringe-toed lizard, and Mojave ground squirrel is preferred. Applicant must meet guidelines to become a desert tortoise monitor by the USFWS and CDFW.The responsibilities of this position could include a subset of those listed below based on relevant experience:Conduct desert tortoise, burrowing owl, desert kit fox, and American badger surveys and monitoring.Conduct general wildlife and/or botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping.Identify and record native and non-native fauna and/or flora in the field.Conduct other special-status species surveys, following established protocols or guidelines as relevant.Conduct avian nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring.Support project execution, including pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring.Assist with environmental compliance monitoring.Perform other related duties assigned, such as coordination with team members, scheduling of work, etc.Utilize electronic data collection methods in the field; manage, interpret, and analyze data, as needed.Conduct monitoring and survey fieldwork as part of a team and independently in inland and desert environments, which can include rugged terrain.Work under the supervision of a project manager or senior-level team member.Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.Elevate compliance concerns to senior-level team members. Provide clarification of resource project requirements to the compliance and construction teams.Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.Desert Tortoise Monitor:To be approved by USFWS and CDFW for desert tortoise monitoring, the applicant must have the knowledge and experience to conduct any or all of the following, as needed:Ability to locate, identify, and report all forms of desert tortoise sign in accordance with approved protocols.Knowledge of desert tortoise behavior, natural history, ecology, and physiology.Field experience and training to safely and successfully conduct desert tortoise surveys and monitoring.Completion of Introduction to Mojave Desert Tortoise course from the Desert Tortoise Council (or equivalent).Familiarity with the Desert Tortoise (Mojave Population) Field Manual (USFWS 2009).Ability to conduct tortoise surveys as part of a team under the leadership of an authorized desert tortoise biologist.Monitor proper implementation of desert tortoise protective measures.Record and report incidents of noncompliance in accordance with a biological opinion or permit.Halt project activities per provisions of the biological opinion or permit if necessary.About AECOM’s Environment Business LineJoin AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it. We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects are diverse and interesting. They span market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems within diverse community profiles.AECOM’s Sustainable Legacies program describes our approach to the environment, social equity and governance (ESG.) We embed sustainability throughout our business and help clients embed sustainable practices into their work. We help clients reduce their impact on the environment, achieve compliance and reduce risks.
