Authorized Special Status Species Field Biologist (CBB, QCB, WSP, SKR) - on call position

Company Description

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Job Description

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Authorized Special Status Species Field Biologist for immediate employment in the southern California desert regions.

This is a field-based, fully remote, on-call position requiring the ability to be local on field assignments for extended periods but linked to a Southern California-based office.

This position would support numerous natural resource projects with a focus on biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring primarily for Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat with potential to assist with vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and/or permitting implementation with support from junior biologists. Training and/or experience conducting surveys for listed species local to southern California, particularly Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat, is preferred.

The responsibilities of this position could include a subset of those listed below based on relevant experience:

• Lead protocol and pre-construction Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly surveys and monitoring.
• Lead and conduct focused western spadefoot surveys and monitoring, including implementation exclusionary fencing, artificial watering to elicit a movement response, and relocation.
• Lead and conduct focused Stephen’s kangaroo rat trapping surveys and monitoring, including implementation exclusionary fencing, trapping, and relocation.
• 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 species nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring.
• Support project execution, including pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring.
• Assist with environmental compliance monitoring.
• Provide oversight of restoration crew work and restoration vegetation performance 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 senior project manager or senior-level team member.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Elevate compliance concerns to project or construction managers.
• Provide clarification of resource project requirements to the compliance and construction teams.
• Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line
Join 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 span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (biology, ecology, etc.)
• 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education working in southern California ecoregions focused on conducting surveys for listed species local to southern California, 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 are required.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior consulting experience is preferred, but non-consultant candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight.
• Experience implementing the terms and conditions of USFWS biological opinions or Habitat Conservation Plans, CDFW incidental take permits, and/or California Environmental Quality Act Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs.
• Previously approved as a biological monitor or designated biologist by USFWS and/or CDFW for Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, and/or Stephen’s kangaroo rat.
• Permits or experience for one more of the following species:
  • 10(A)(1)(a) permit to conduct protocol surveys for Quino checkerspot butterfly and monitoring experience
  • 10(A)(1)(a) permit to conduct focused surveys for Stephen’s kangaroo rat. Experience must include at least 40 calendar nights performing small mammal live-trapping surveys and handling at least 40 individual Stephens’ kangaroo rat. Experience must include using exclusion fencing to salvage and exclude small mammals from construction work areas, and/or experience performing small mammal translocations.
  • Substantial field experience to conduct western spadefoot surveys and monitoring. Must be able to identify the species visually and vocally and have experience in handling and translocating western spadefoot. In addition, experience must include all life stages of the western spadefoot
  • Substantial field experience to conduct Crotch’s bumble bee surveys and monitoring.
• Knowledge of southern California wildlife and plant species.
• Flexibility and willingness to support multiple projects as needed.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and proactive communication skills.
• Experience with electronic data collection (Fulcrum, Field Maps, etc.).
• Field experience with special status species of southern California, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Possess a CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit and/or Memorandum of Understanding for Crotch’s Bumble Bee, Quino checkerspot butterfly, western spadefoot, Stephen’s kangaroo rat or other southern California State Listed Species.
• 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 regulatory and permitting requirements under the federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, NEPA, CEQA, and the Clean Water Act.

Additional Information

THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY DECEMBER 5, 2026.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

State/Province: CaliforniaBusiness Group: DCSLegal Entity: AECOM Technical Services IncBusiness Line: EnvironmentWork Location Model: RemoteOperating Group: AmericasPrimary Location: US - San Diego, CA - 401 West A Stre Compensation: USD 42 - USD 54 - hourly