IMPORTANT: Candidates must have prior direct field experience with the San Joaquin Kit Fox (SJKF) to qualify for this position.

JOB SUMMARY

The San Joaquin Kit Fox (SJKF) Designated Biologist (DB) position oversees and assists with kit fox and environmental compliance at an operating utility-scale solar project. The job requires supervising a team of experienced wildlife biologists with implementing sensitive species surveys and protection measures and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal permits. The typical schedule is four 10-hour shifts per week on a remote industrial-scale solar site. Occasional overtime, weekend, and night work is scheduled as needed. Required: Designated Biologist under a CDFW Incidental Take Permit on a previous project, or enough experience to apply for designation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Coordinate and execute daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks
Understand and facilitate compliance of all site permits and requirements
Oversee and conduct biological surveys
Communicate and coordinate with staff, clients, contractors, and government agencies
Balance budgets and schedule staff to stay within budget while completing tasks
Maintain data and create environmental documents, updates, and technical reports
Meet and inform new contractors regarding site regulations to inform them of the biologist role in monitoring and protecting the local habitat
Monitor construction crews during day and night work
Coordination with on-site staff and other Designated Biologists
Coordinate with other project managers
Understand all safety requirements while leading others to work safely and follow all safety rules
Conduct early morning observations for wildlife that may be present in daily construction zones
Monitor daily construction areas for wildlife, especially avian species, mammals, reptiles, as well as common wildlife species
Capture and relocate wildlife, including snakes, as needed
Implement quality assurance/quality control plans to ensure the data collected and products prepared meet all standards and regulations
Document daily observations in database for GIS and statistical analysis
Study biological resources and environmental conditions affecting wildlife and research environmental effects of solar farm
Communicates observations to associates, client representatives, contractors, county, and other trustee agencies as appropriate
Identifies, classifies, and studies distribution, abundance, behavior, physiology, and distribution, as applicable, of plant and animal species
Researches environmental effects of proposed project and identifies methods of improving or maintaining environmental conditions
Work with designated project biologists and outside experts to produce publishable research papers based on field data collected
Provide project review and review plans
Prepare summaries of biological constraints
Prepare biological/technical reports and assist with project management
Provide groundwork for regulatory permit applications
Excellent communication with clients and agency personnel.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Assist with permit package development
Provide support in other departments when needed
May be involved in supporting Project Managers with scheduling staff or field assignments
Assigned as the onsite Lead when required

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources or Wildlife Management or related experience.

Experience: 5 to 10 years related experience in biology, botany, wildlife, endangered species management. Minimum 3-years of professional field experience with San Joaquin kit fox.

Knowledge: Advanced field experience and knowledge in recognizing birds, wildlife and plants throughout the San Luis Obispo County

Skills: Proficient analytical, data management and technical writing skills. Must be able to keep precise, accurate and legible field notes.

Abilities: Able to write clear and concise reports, and able to keep accurate field notes during monitoring and field work. Accomplished leadership skills. Organized in managing multiple projects.

Licenses/Certifications: Licensed or certified to handle or survey for applicable endangered species a plus. Must also have a valid California Driver’s license.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements: Occasionally able to lift, pull or push up to 50 lbs. Will sit, stand or walk short and long distances for up to the entire duration of a shift. Able to wear personal protective equipment (including but not limited to; safety boots, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, FR long-sleeve shirts, hard hat, and respirator or N95 mask).

Working Conditions

Must be able to walk 5 to 7 miles per day on relatively flat ground with day pack, water, supplies in variable weather conditions (windy, rainy, cold to 10 degrees F, heat to 110 degrees F).

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive of all job duties and responsibilities. Althouse and Meade, Inc. reserves the right to revise this job description as it deems necessary. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. I acknowledge I have read and understand my responsibilities stated in this job description.

Althouse & Meade, Inc.

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San Joaquin Kit Fox Designated Biologist (Wildlife Biologist)