Environmental​/Field Biologist

About ESA

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore projects across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the southeastern United States. With 50 years of experience and 21 offices, we serve communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands.

ESA is seeking a highly motivated Environmental/Field Biologist to join our team in the Southeast region. This is an exempt, full‑time, salary role that is remote with hybrid work as needed. Candidates within a commutable distance to our Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, or Boynton Beach offices are preferred. The role involves travel for site visits and project collaboration.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a natural science field (e.g., biology, ecology, environmental science) and have a minimum of 5 years of relevant scientific or environmental consulting experience.
• Specialize in one or more of botany, arboriculture, ecology, wetlands, wildlife, Florida‑specific permitting, habitat restoration, or related disciplines.
• Experienced biologist who performs habitat and species surveys, wetland delineations, and ecological monitoring.
• Understand and follow environmental regulations and policies relevant to project locations.
• Prior experience serving as a technical lead or manager on projects, comfortable collaborating with team members to meet goals.
• Contribute to technical writing for environmental documents (assessments, permit applications, NEPA sections).
• Take initiative, communicate effectively, and contribute to a respectful, feedback‑driven team culture.
• Comfortable working in and around water, preferably with experience using all‑terrain vehicles and/or boats.
• Physical ability to walk long distances carrying a backpack and lift at least 50 pounds; able to work outside in remote, urban, or weather‑challenging settings.
• Preferred credentials include Certified/Trained Boat Operator, Certified Arborist, Professional Wetland Scientist, or experience with Florida wetland delineations.
• Proficiency with Field Maps, Collector, Survey
  123, GIS, and Microsoft Suite.

• Apply critical thinking and problem‑solving to select and use standard techniques for biological studies.
• Perform habitat and species surveys, habitat inventories, wetland and stream delineations, and compliance monitoring.
• Assist in field data collection, quality control, and analysis for permit applications and environmental documentation.
• Contribute as an author to technical memoranda, assessments, and NEPA analyses.
• Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams, presenting information clearly to stakeholders.
• Write technical reports describing methods and results, and develop data quality procedures.
• Manage project functions such as scope, schedule, invoicing, and budget compliance.
• Mentor junior staff and provide guidance on field and technical matters.
• Work outdoors in diverse habitats, including marshes, forests, uplands, and aquatic systems.
• Adapt to a fast‑paced environment, managing multiple responsibilities and deadlines.

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close‑knit team committed to outstanding projects, environmental stewardship, and a sustainable future for communities and wild places.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance (70 % paid for employee and family); annual ESOP share allocations; 401(k) with company match; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. ESA also offers tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and conference attendance support.

Our team comprises biologists, restoration ecologists, permitting specialists, conservation biologists, and environmental scientists. We provide expertise for municipalities throughout Florida and the Southeast, shaping positive futures while conserving sensitive natural resources.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.