Temporary, Limited-Term Senior Biologist

Salary: $9,157.00 - $12,632.00 Monthly
Location : 75525 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Environmental Services
Division: Environmental
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Summary

CVWD's Environmental Services Department seeks a skilled, adaptable professional for a limited-term, full-time position with benefits, to lead ecological restoration and mitigation projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect natural resources. Key responsibilities include fieldwork, data analysis, monitoring program development, technical reporting, consultant oversight, agency coordination, and guidance on habitat restoration, conservation, and biological impacts.
The successful candidate will possess strong organizational and time management skills, comprehensive knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting, and a professional, collaborative approach to serving internal and external customers.
This grant-funded, limited-term appointment is expected to last up to five (5) years. Incumbents are classified as temporary employees.

TITLE:

SENIOR BIOLOGIST (LIMITED-TERM)
SRN A43: $9,157 - $12,362 Monthly, Exempt
Bargaining Unit:
Teamsters 1932
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Services
Division:
Environmental
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Reports to:

Environmental Services Program Supervisor
Supervises the following positions:
Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to less experienced staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
DEFINITION:Under general direction, leads in the development of ecological restoration mitigation monitoring and reporting activities. Performs ecological investigations, research, monitoring, surveys, technical writing, planning and reporting to meet regulatory compliance objectives; protects, restores, enhances, and manages the District's wetlands, flora, fisheries, and wildlife resources; provides guidance to assess, prevent, mitigate, and manage biological impacts resulting from District projects, programs, and activities;

engages outside agencies and partnerships in a collaborative effort to stream line the delivery of restoration projects at the Salton Sea; and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This is the advanced-level classification responsible for performing the most complex work assigned. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties and ensure efficient and effective lead support work related to restoration ecology, constructed mitigation and habitat restoration projects;

and is responsible for the comprehensive requirements of biological regulatory permitting compliance. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objective, timelines, and methods to effectively deliver service and be fully experienced in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.
Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversees and manages the development, implementation and reporting of Mitigation Monitoring or Reporting Programs (MMRP) and Mitigation Monitoring Plan (MMP); assist with the identification, implementation, and evaluation of biological Best Management Practices (BMP); recommend and evaluate methods, goals, and measures of success; complete site assessments, prepare existing conditions reports, biological opportunities and constraints analysis, and biological data collection summaries.
• Manages and coordinates district mitigation sites including site maintenance, monitoring, and ensuring easements, partners, and tenants are in accordance with their terms and conditions.
• Identify issues, conduct assessments, review plans and specifications for sensitive species, habitat information, biological impacts, and mitigation projects.
• Advises management on natural resource permits and associated processes; interpret and negotiate permits, and identify the need for permits issued by resource agencies (e.g. U.S. Army Corp of engineers, CA department of Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Water Quality Control Board, etc.); serve as district liaison with the regulators.
• Engages and coordinates directly with outside agencies and partners in collaborative efforts to streamline delivery of Coachella Valley and Salton Sea restoration projects, including those projects proposed by the Quantitative Settlement Agreement, Salton Sea Management Plan, and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan project partners.
• Oversee, inspect, and negotiate the work of biological consultants and service providers (e.g. laboratories and nurseries); provide technical input to their work processes and products; service as District…