Biologist 3

Chambers Group is an environmental consulting firm headquartered in Santa Ana, CA. Chambers Group provides environmental planning, regulatory permitting, technical studies for biological and cultural resources, and construction mitigation and monitoring. We want the best and brightest to join our team – individuals with talent, passion, and commitment who bring new ideas, creativity, and energy. You will find variety, challenges, and growth opportunities. We invite you to discover the potential career opportunities available to you at Chambers Group with the current open positions.

We have an immediate need for a Biologist at our OC and LA.

Description and Desired Qualifications

Position Summary

Responsible for technical direction and resource management support to meet client, project, and office objectives. Serve as a key team member managing, leading, and supporting biological surveys, impacts analysis, permitting, and environmental compliance. Familiarity with biological data collection procedures, interpretation, analysis, and document presentation; firm understanding of the FESA and CESA, experience in USFWS/CDFW documentation and consultation support, USACE preliminary wetland delineation and verification process [post Rapanos with an understanding of the 2015 CWA Final Rule], USACE Clean Water Act Section 404 and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Section 401 Water Quality Certification permitting requirements, California Fish and Game Code (Streambed Alteration Agreement and 2081 Incidental Take Permits). Experience with USFWS 10(A)(1)(a) federal permit with an MOU from CDFW for listed species and/or agency approved experience for survey and monitoring of sensitive species.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of project team for fieldwork, research, data collection, report writing.
• Manage small projects.
• Provide assistance in proposal development and new business activities
• Assist in preparation of small to medium proposals, including budgets and schedules.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of local species and ecosystems.
• Assist with the preparation of biological technical reports, CEQA/NEPA documents, Biological Assessments, Biological Evaluations, mitigation plans, and jurisdictional waters and wetland reports.
• Experience conducting preconstruction clearance surveys for special status species, nesting birds, and other sensitive biological resources.
• Identify and collect data on avian species, and provide guidance on appropriate avoidance buffers.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience with federal and state regulations, including CEQA/NEPA, CDFW Code, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Acts.
• Provide a high-level of quality control.
• Demonstrate ability to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Demonstrate strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving, and research capabilities.
• Demonstrate confidence in dealing with clients, regulators, and team members.
• Maintatin rigorously detail-oriented performance and commitment to accuracy.
• Assist with administrative duties, such as training and supervision to meet project requirements.
• Assign, monitor and mentor junior staff on project activities.
• Provide presentations to cross-train younger staff.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrates strong technical skills and expertise in a particular technical area within the biology discipline. Demonstrates initiative, independent thinking, good problem-solving skills, excellent field skills and educational background in biology. Possesses strong leadership skills, ability to work independently and as a team member, and exemplary work habits, especially related to safety, common sense, punctuality, and adaptability. Demonstrates excellent organization and communication skills and experience managing multiple staff on projects. Demonstrates strong relationships with clients and confidence in consulting with agencies and regulators. Demonstrates strong and accurate writing skills, including experience writing environmental sections of CEQA and NEPA documents. Ability to provide guidance of relevant environmental statutes and regulations (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act, Fish and Game Code) and associated permits. Demonstrates experience in conducting surveys and monitoring for special status species. Has USFWS/CDFW permits and MOUs for local species, or shows a high-level of experience with these species. Demonstrates a commitment to safety and promote safe behavior. Provides positive and enthusiastic leadership/mentoring for younger staff.

Education and Experience

Minimum BS, BA required. Approximately 4-7 years of experience in technical disciplines with at least 3 years local experience and 2 years of demonstrated ability to perform in technical lead role. Professional membership participation preferred. Advanced degree – MS, MA, PhD, may substitute for up to 2 years’ experience. Must have knowledge and experience with state and federal ESA and MBTA. Must have experience in reviewing plans and specifications for compliance with approved land use and resource agency permits.

The position is full-time with benefits. This work will be done in the office with field visits, as needed, to manage projects.

Please reply to careers@chambersgroupinc.com immediately with your resume and cover letter.

Chambers Group Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and we value inclusion and diversity. EOE-Minorities/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Chambers Group Inc. will make employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner.