Biologist

Job Description

As a Biologist in the Natural Resources & Impact Assessment Group, you will conduct biological surveys, construction monitoring, prepare reports, and ensure environmental compliance. The role is full-time and based in one of the following California offices:
Concord, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento, or Santa Rosa.

Hybrid model: three days per week in the office with remaining days remote.

• Conduct wildlife surveys, baseline assessments, nesting bird surveys, and habitat evaluations.
• Monitor construction sites to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permit requirements.
• Perform fish and wildlife species monitoring, relocations, and potential dewatering operations.
• Use tools such as GPS units, maps, and aerial imagery to define project boundaries, habitat types, and resources for impact analyses.
• Document findings through photographs, detailed notes, and comprehensive technical reports.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, task leads, and other biologists to meet fieldwork and reporting requirements.
• Stay informed of and adhere to project permits and biological resource protection regulations.
• Complete desktop analyses, database queries, and prepare reports detailing methods, results, recommendations, and regulatory context.
• Follow the organization’s health, safety, and environment (HSE) policies, procedures, and mandatory instructions to identify and mitigate environmental and safety risks. Escalate serious issues as appropriate.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.

• Minimum 3‑5 years of experience conducting biological surveys for nesting birds and other wildlife.
• Strong background in ecology and biological surveys, with experience in special status species protocol surveys and nesting bird monitoring.
• Familiarity with California ecosystems and knowledge of local special status species (e.g., northwestern pond turtle, northern red‑legged frog, steelhead, special status bumble bees).
• Knowledge of California state and federal regulations related to special status species and habitats.
• Experience with the preparation of biological resource assessment reports for CEQA and NEPA documentation is preferred.
• Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel statewide, with the potential for multiple overnight stays, and work in diverse and challenging field conditions. Most work will be focused in the assigned office location and surrounding counties.
• Experience in construction monitoring and compliance reporting is a plus.
• Experience in rare plant surveys, wetland delineations, and/or fisheries is a plus.
• Possession of a CDFW scientific collecting permit or Federal 10(a)(1)(A) permit is a plus.

Salary Range: $75,000-$126,000 based on experience and location.

GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.