Mid-Level Biologist – Los Angeles

HELIX is seekinga motivated Mid-level Biologist for our Pasadena office in Loas Angeles County. HELIX provides biological resources, landscape architecture, environmental planning, regulatory compliance, habitat restoration, cultural resources, acoustical, air quality, and GIS services to both the public and private sectors.

The Mid-level Biologist is a full-time position that will include working independently as well as collaboratively with other HELIX staff. Responsibilities may include vegetation community mapping, sensitive plant and wildlife species surveys, leading or assisting with jurisdictional delineations, and other field work; restoration monitoring; construction monitoring; data entry; report writing; and other tasks related to workload requirements. The ideal candidate must demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills, including using creativity and analytical skills to develop solutions for unique project challenges.

A positive attitude, flexible mindset and adaptability to changing circumstances is imperative.

Responsibilities May Include

• Assisting with or leading biology surveys, including biological reconnaissance, vegetation mapping, special-status plant surveys, jurisdictional delineations, focused species surveys and/or pre-construction clearance surveys.
• Conducting or leading biological monitoring for construction/restoration projects.
• Drafting or leading preparation of due diligence, focused survey, habitat assessment, biological technical reports, biological sections of NEPA/CEQA documents, annual reports, restoration plans and jurisdictional delineation reports, including analyzing impacts and identifying mitigation measures.
• Assisting project managers with preparation and processing of wetland permit applications and supporting materials.
• Maintaining accurate field notes and maps, project files, work logs, etc.
• Providing high-quality work products on schedule and within budget.
• Participating in business development by keeping resume current, doing a great job on projects, and looking for possible leads for new work.
• Preparing or assisting project managers with proposals and augments for private and public projects.
• Includes occasional overnight travel.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an environmental science, including botany, biology or other related field (degree in biochemistry or microbiology not acceptable).
• Four years of experience as a professional biologist conducting duties related to the job requirements, including at least 1 year of work experience in southern California.
• Experience working for an environmental consulting firm.
• Demonstrated experience independently conducting biological resource assessments/evaluations.
• Experience with field data collection methods and equipment.
• Demonstrated experience preparing biological technical reports.
• Ability to hike long distances over varying terrain under varying weather conditions.
• Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record over the last 3 years.
• Ability for occasional overnight travel.
• Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Additional Qualifications Considered a Plus

• Two years or more of experience conducting floristic surveys in southern California.
• Ability to use Jepson Manual and other taxonomic keys to accurately identify plant species.
• Demonstrated experience independently conducting aquatic resource delineations.
• Permits to conduct focused surveys for southern California special-status flora and fauna.
• Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture, Basic Wetland Delineation Certificate or Society of Wetland Scientists Wetland Certification.
• Experience facilitating coordination and/or acting as liaison with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and/or California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Experience leading field survey efforts and monitoring efforts.
• Experience with native habitat restoration planning and implementation.
• Experience with environmental compliance monitoring during construction.

Expected pay range of $37 – $42…