Assistant Vice President Biologist

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Assistant Vice President Biologist within our Irvine, Riverside and San Diego, CA.

Provides subject matter technical support and leadership for the collection, identification, compiling, and analysis of observational and spatial data concerning a variety of vegetation, wetland, wildlife, marine, terrestrial, botanical, and/or avian species. Provides guidance for multi-site/phase environmental work and environmental permitting projects. Ensures biological-related project elements and processes are conveyed and acted upon with a high level of quality and compliance.

Responsible for providing situational guidance to PMs and managers that address current and future challenges associated with biological impact assessment, corrective/mitigation strategy, permitting, and/or restoration. Supervise any on-site restoration and ensure that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards. The Senior Biologist will assist in identifying key clients and project opportunities.

They will prepare proposals for small to medium projects and participate in large RFP submittals.

• Provide oversight with data collection efforts for identifying and compiling observational and spatial data concerning a variety of vegetation, wetland, wildlife, marine, terrestrials, botanical, and/or avian species, as well as biological/environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, sludge, and other matrices for projects, investigations, and surveys.
• Prepare, complete, and/or review biological survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act permitting, CEQA, NEPA, etc.).
• Ensure technical reports and presentations explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore larger-scale biological challenges and complex problems.
• Perform professional biology work and conduct investigations, inspections, and environmental studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular environmental problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future environmental needs.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, models, cross-sections, and other illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex and larger scale data, findings, or analyses.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore more complex or larger-scale biological problems.
• Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams in executing project work, permitting strategy, environmental impact assessments, field biology, and regulatory strategy, including project budgets, tracking hours and expenses, and task completion.
• Participate in the application process for environmental permits to address issues or concerns – undertaking any resulting corrective strategies.
• Provide high level oversight for desk-based research, fieldwork, and/or laboratory work, including measurements, data interpretation, and computer modeling.
• Coordinate with clients, resource agencies, and environmental and technical staff, providing a high level of strategic advice and subject matter expertise.
• Develop a client base for providing high level biological risk assessment services including identifying additional business development opportunities and engaging in proposal writing and submission.
• Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• 10+ years of experience working as a…