Field Biologist, Authorized Special Status Species – On Call

AECOM

. Conduct protocol and pre-construction Crotch’s Bumble Bee and Quino checkerspot butterfly surveys and monitoring .

Posted 10/16/2026part-timeRemote • San Diego • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $42 - $54 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in conducting biological surveys and environmental compliance monitoring, particularly for southern California special-status species. Proficient in data collection and analysis, with strong organizational and communication skills to support project coordination and compliance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Biological Survey ExperienceEnvironmental Compliance MonitoringCrotch’s Bumble Bee SurveyingWestern Spadefoot MonitoringSpecies-Specific Permits

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Biological MonitoringField Data CollectionHabitat MappingSpecies IdentificationTrapping TechniquesExclusion FencingTranslocation ProceduresRegulatory Compliance KnowledgeSurvey MethodologiesEnvironmental Oversight

Soft Skills

Strong Organizational SkillsProactive CommunicationLeadership SkillsTeam CollaborationFlexibility

Tools & Technologies

FulcrumField MapsElectronic Data Collection Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

CDFW Scientific Collecting PermitUSFWS Designated Biologist Approval

Industry Keywords

Southern California EcoregionsEndangered Species ActCalifornia Endangered Species ActNEPACEQAClean Water ActMitigation MonitoringConstruction OversightSpecial-Status SpeciesWildlife Surveys

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct protocol and pre-construction Crotch’s Bumble Bee and Quino checkerspot butterfly surveys and monitoring
Conduct focused western spadefoot surveys and monitoring, including exclusionary fencing, artificial watering, and relocation
Conduct focused Stephen’s kangaroo rat trapping surveys and monitoring, including exclusionary fencing, trapping, and relocation
Conduct general wildlife and botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping
Identify and record native and non-native fauna and flora in the field
Conduct other special-status species surveys according to established protocols or guidelines
Conduct avian nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring
Support pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring
Assist with environmental compliance monitoring
Oversee restoration crew work and monitor restoration vegetation performance
Coordinate with team members and schedule work
Use electronic data collection methods; manage, interpret, and analyze data
Perform survey and monitoring fieldwork independently and as part of a team in inland and desert environments, including rugged terrain
Work under supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member
Keep assigned tasks on schedule and budget
Escalate compliance concerns to project or construction managers
Clarify resource project requirements for compliance and construction teams
Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as biology or ecology
4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education working in southern California ecoregions
Experience conducting surveys for listed southern California species, particularly Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat
Valid US Driver's License and pre-employment driving record verification
US Citizenship
Experience conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight
Experience implementing USFWS biological opinions or Habitat Conservation Plans, CDFW incidental take permits, and/or CEQA Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs
Experience as a biological monitor or designated biologist approved by USFWS and/or CDFW
Species-specific permits or experience for Quino checkerspot butterfly and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat
At least 40 calendar nights performing small mammal live-trapping surveys and handling at least 40 individual Stephens’ kangaroo rats
Experience using exclusion fencing and/or performing small mammal translocations
Substantial field experience conducting western spadefoot surveys and monitoring, including visual and vocal identification, handling, translocation, and all life stages
Substantial field experience conducting Crotch’s bumble bee surveys and monitoring
Knowledge of southern California wildlife and plant species
Flexibility to support multiple projects
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Strong organizational and proactive communication skills
Experience with electronic data collection tools such as Fulcrum and Field Maps
Field experience with southern California special-status species and knowledge of regulatory requirements
CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit and/or Memorandum of Understanding for relevant species (preferred qualification)
Ability to drive a 4-wheel-drive vehicle over difficult terrain
Strong leadership and diplomacy skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs
Experience on construction-associated transmission and/or utility projects
Familiarity with federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, NEPA, CEQA, and Clean Water Act requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Life and AD&D insurance
Disability benefits
Paid time off
Leaves of absence
Voluntary benefits and perks
Flexible work options
Well-being resources
Employee assistance program
Business travel insurance
Service recognition awards
Retirement savings plan
Employee stock purchase plan
In-person Day 1 onboarding
Training and development programs
Global team and expert technical network
Freedom to Grow initiative