Senior Conservation Biologist

This position works under the direct supervision of the Principal Conservation Biologist/Project Manager of the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project (TLRP). This is a full-time position, anticipated to serve two-years, dedicated to the TLRP. This position will serve as the Assistant Project Manager under the Project Manager for the TRLP.

The Senior Conservation Biologist serves as a staff scientist and planner responsible for advising, coordinating and supporting the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project, specifically via efforts associated with regulatory compliance, project management, grant writing, public outreach, and biological research, monitoring and restoration work associated with the Project’s current design phase. Additional support for other District planning and conservation efforts may occur as time and availability permits.

This position requires a variety of both field and office tasks.

MAJOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT – 65%

• Project Management:
  • Assist management in coordination with internal and external team members towards project goals and deliverables. Assist with coordinating schedules of project actions/deliverables towards deadlines and goals agreed to by project partners and grantors.
  • Assist with preparing, supporting and documenting monthly project team meetings, and focus meetings. Facilitate communication between partners towards project milestones.
  • Support management and update of partner agreements.
  • Help lead/coordinate with internal staff working on projects.
• Contractor Management:Assist with scoping, selection, contracting, invoice reviews, technical reviews, and management of project contractors including but not limited to: civil engineers, traffic engineers, surveyors, construction staff, etc.
• Report Preparation
  :
  Prepare technical and grant reports including graphs, tables and data summaries needed for project reports and scientific papers. Key reports anticipated include the Habitat Restoration Management Plan and periodic Grant Progress Reports.
• Permit Preparation:
  • Take the lead on the preparation and receipt of environmental permits, such as 401, 404, CCC CDP, including completion and compliance of CEQA/NEPA processes.
  • Coordinate with regulators and landowners on permit processing, reporting, and compliance, including Biological Opinion support documentation, landowner Right of Entry and other approvals.
• Technical Review:Directly review contractor and staff deliverables and assist with coordination of partner comments and final edits
• Keep Current on Environmental Compliance:Stays current on CEQA/NEPA and environmental permit processes, and provides guidance as needed on District projects.

GRANTS & FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION – 15%

• Supports and significantly contributes to the development, writing, and submission of competitive grant proposals.
• Supports the search and development of other funding sources.
• Supports grantor/funder coordination, reimbursement requests, and periodic reporting.
• Supports budget oversight in coordination with the accounting team.
• Supports project implementation to be compliant with grant requirements, outcomes, deliverables, and evaluation criteria.

RESEARCH & FIELD WORK – 10 %

• Assist as needed with on-going fisheries field surveys within the TLRP area including seining, snorkel, and spawner surveys, SWAMP protocol stream surveys, amphibian and reptile surveys, nesting bird surveys, and oak/vegetation surveys and restoration activities.
• When applicable, create maps with Google Earth Pro, TOPO, and/or ArcGIS.
• Provides support for other field programs and project managers leading restoration and other efforts, as needed.
• Prepare reports and research as needed or assigned.

PARTNERSHIPS & OUTREACH COORDINATION – 10 %

• Coordinates with the resource agencies, partners, and key stakeholders as needed or assigned.
• Attends Caltrans Fish PAC, and/or other board meetings as needed or assigned.
• Coordinate with the National Park Service, State Parks and/or other resource agencies when necessary.
• Represents the RCDSMM at public meetings and events, including some evenings and weekends.
• Assists with public outreach via social media, print, website, and other venues in…