Field Biologist

NV5 is seeking a field biologist for High Speed Rail construction monitoring.  Field work will be located in the Central Valley of California (expenses may be included).  Depending on certification, experience, and education, annual salary is between $81,000 and $89,000.  Some of the required skills include following:

• A bachelor’s degree in biology or related field.
• Experienced in construction compliance monitoring.
• Previously presented Environmental Awareness Program to construction staff.
• Implemented avoidance and minimization measures/conservation measures for biological resources.
• Experience with one or more of the following wildlife species; California tiger salamander [Ambystoma californiense] (CTS); San Joaquin kit fox [Vulpes macrotis mutica] (SJKF); Swainson’s hawk [Buteo swainsoni]; Crotch bumble bee; Branchiopod (Fairy Shrimp).

Why join us?

It’s an exciting time at NV5! Our Environmental Health Services (EHS) Vertical in NV5 has more than 300 employees across the country with tremendous opportunities for our employees to grow and develop their careers. Our mission is to become the leader in our industry; therefore, we support the professional development and growth of our staff through ongoing development and training, participation in key organizations, and supporting publications and speaking engagements of our team. We are trusted advisors to our clients and recognized experts in our fields, and we support the career progression of our staff to realize that vision.

We are seeking a Field Biologist to join our team in the California Central Valley.

About Us

NV5 has been recognized as a Fortune 100 Fastest Growing Company every year since 2017, with tremendous opportunities for advancement, career development, and growth. We are an organization of more than 5,000 employees across over 120 offices worldwide, deeply rooted in a culture of technical excellence, entrepreneurism, and collaboration. 

What We Offer at NV5

NV5 realizes that health, mental and financial wellbeing, are all equally needed to achieve balance in life. We are pleased to offer a total rewards package that helps our employees have peace of mind in and outside of work.

At NV5, you will enjoy a robust rewards package which includes:

• Competitive salary
• Flexible work schedules and time off policy
• Group Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Learning and development programs, training, and career opportunities

If this sounds like you and you would like to expand your career with us, apply today!

How Your Experience Will Contribute to The Team

In the role of a Field Biologist, you will be instrumental in conducting and overseeing a variety of biological studies, ensuring that they adhere to established scientific methods and regulatory requirements. Your critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be key in applying standard techniques across diverse biological studies, ranging from basic to moderately complex scenarios. When required, you will assist less experienced colleagues with guidance and field support.

Additionally, you will play a supportive role in ensuring compliance with project permits through species follow-up activities, particularly in the preparatory stages of construction projects. Your involvement in various other field studies will be crucial, encompassing pre-construction surveys, habitat mapping, and compliance monitoring.

Your ability to produce clear, concise, and well-supported documentation will be essential, and your communication skills will facilitate effective collaboration with colleagues, clients, and contractors to achieve project objectives while safeguarding biological resources.

Role Requirements

• At least 2+ years of Biology + Other Special Status Species Experience required. Expertise should include more than one of the following species: San Joaquin Kit Fox (SJKF), California Tiger Salamander (CTS), Swainson's hawk (SH), Crotch Bumble Bee (CBB); Branchiopod (Fairy Shrimp).
• Minimum experience requirements for these species are as follows:
• SJKF - minimum 15 sightings, camera trapping and excavation exp
• CTS - minimum 20 hours, aquatic and upland surveys, familiar with DATF protocols, larval sampling, fence installation, excavation
• Fairy Shrimp - minimum 20 hours in 3 different locations, ability to identify all listed and non-listed branchiopods that occur in CA Central Valley, ability to identify in summer dry season
• Familiarity with nesting bird survey protocols and/or general bird identification skills required.
• Ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and on challenging terrain.
• Ability to work independently in rural and remote areas.
• Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills
• Must have a strong attention to detail in documentation of work.
• Desire to work in the field for an extended period and maintain a positive attitude.
• Willingness and ability to travel with overnight stays possible.
• Demonstrated independent and effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Possess a valid driver's license.

About You

With a robust background in field studies and environmental compliance, particularly within California's Central Valley, your expertise encompasses a range of critical activities.

Your experience extends to construction compliance monitoring and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, from construction staff to clients and consultant partners.

Your skills in habitat mapping, species surveys, and the preparation of comprehensive compliance documentation demonstrate a thorough understanding of the ecological and regulatory landscape. Your proficiency with data collection applications further enhances your capability to deliver detailed and accurate reports essential for environmental conservation efforts.

You have previously worked on construction sites, worked around heavy equipment, and can effectively communicate with construction staff. You must have experience presenting information understandably and speaking clearly and confidently about biological resources and general compliance topics to construction contractors, construction managers, clients, and consultant partners. Further, you can work collaboratively with interdisciplinary groups as an effective communicator who contributes constructively and cooperatively to solve project and team challenges.

You also have experience with habitat mapping and other species surveys, floral and faunal inventories and assessments, construction compliance monitoring, and preparing supporting documentation for compliance monitoring, including but not limited to daily monitoring reports and pre-construction survey reports. Experience with data collection applications such as Fulcrum, FieldMaps/ArcGIS Online, and/or Survey123 is desirable but not essential.

The pay range for this California position is $81,000- $89,000 per year; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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