Natural Resources Project Biologist

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Natural Resources Project Biologist to support projects through assorted field and desktop responsibilities related to natural resources. The role will support a wide variety of project types for various industry sectors and will be involved with all facets of the project lifecycle: due diligence, environmental impact assessments, permitting and construction compliance. Primary role responsibilities include conducting biological field surveys including related pre- and post-field data processing, management and reporting; supporting new project opportunities though the proposal process; and contributing to the preparation of technical reports, permit applications, and other related documents. The ideal candidate will bring demonstratable technical field survey expertise in the greater Southwest US region with a desire to further hone technical writing skills, proposal development skills, and task management/ field leadership responsibilities as a biological resources consultant. 

This position is a regular, full-time position with the opportunity for overtime, supporting projects throughout the Southwestern US. This role will support both field and desktop-based tasks, depending on business needs. This position is eligible for remote employment but requires candidates to be located within the Southwestern US region.

Position Responsibilities: 

• Work independently or as part of team to conduct wildlife studies, wetland/water jurisdictional delineation surveys, vegetation mapping and general biological resources site assessments.
• Participate in pre-field planning and post-field data analysis, processing, and management in support of technical report preparation, under the direction of the project’s Environmental Task Manager.
• Utilize desktop resources and other digital tools (i.e., topographic maps, aerial photographs, etc.), industry-related GPS-based field data platforms/software (Field Maps, Survey123, etc.) and other tools for the preparation and execution field studies.
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports associated with the data collected in the field.
• Collect and maintain accurate field reports and data logs using digital forms and collaborative databases.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide additional support to the Environmental Team as needed.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret industry protocols, technical reports and procedures, and government regulations regarding natural resources: i.e., state and federally listed species, agency-specific special status species (BLM, USFS, USFWS), and state and federally regulated wetlands and waterbodies.
• Ability to work well as part of a field team (including subconsultants)
• Must be able to conduct field work in a safe and efficient way by utilizing good judgment in addition to following GAI and Project-specific health and safety protocols. Training will be provided for all Project-specific safety topics.

Required Experience and Qualifications: 

• Applicants must be able to provide extensive biological resources field survey experience in the Southwest to be considered for the position, including but not limited to conducting focused surveys, habitat suitability assessments for common and special-status plant and wildlife species, and wetland/water jurisdictional delineations.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience routinely performing biological surveys and wetland/water field studies for private or public sector projects in the environmental consulting industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge regarding currently accepted field assessment protocols to comprehensively analyze and document habitat suitability/quality and existing site conditions related to assessing proposed project impacts.
• Proficient with using GPS units and electronic data forms (cell or tablet) in the field to collect, organize, and manage data to support defensible and accurate technical reports.
• Familiarity with relevant Federal, State, and local regulations including but not limited to federal and state Endangered Species Acts (ESAs), NEPA, and Clean Water Act (CWA) permits.
• Strong knowledge of Southwest US flora and fauna, especially state and federally listed special-status plant and animal species.
• Ability and willingness to travel (up to 50%) to project site locations within the Southwest US region, including field work assignments requiring overnight stays.
• Ability and willingness to hike long distances (up to ~10-12 miles/day) and conduct fieldwork in a variety of terrains (desert, grasslands, wetlands/riparian, etc.) over multiple days for long hours (up to 12 hours/day) in various weather conditions, while carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable with conducting field work on active construction sites in the presence of construction crews.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to interface with a variety of project stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams both in office and remotely by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions; utility terrain vehicle (UTV) operation experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (Teams, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• This position requires punctuality, professionalism, and preparation to enter the field and successfully perform the required work independently or part of a field team. Candidates must be able to follow instructions from project managers and field leads but also think critically through unplanned situations that arise while onsite all while maintain a positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with power and energy projects on both public and private lands in the Southwestern US is highly desirable.
• Experience with managing field teams.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Certification is a plus but not required

Compensation 

• The salary range for this position is $68,000 to $75,000 per year. The compensation offer will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

General Characteristics 

• This position is responsible for participating in the successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and quality of data associated with project field efforts (wildlife, botanical, water, etc.).
• Ability to successfully use fundamental critical thinking, time management, and technical skills to effectively gather data and information to be evaluated and analyzed by others for the purposes of environmental reports.

Minimum Years of Experience 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience routinely performing wetland/water field studies for private or public sector projects in the environmental consulting industry.

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.

Teamwork and Leadership Responsibilities 

• Execution of project task deliverables, which could include involvement with subconsultant partners.
• Ability to develop and implement day-to-day routines for accomplishing assigned tasks through clear communication and collaboration with the project team.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, multi-tasking ability, and organizational skills.

Business Development Responsibilities: 

• Supports senior leadership with the development of scope, schedule, and fee for submission in bidding opportunities.

Communication Responsibilities 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret industry protocols, technical reports and procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write detailed and comprehensive field reports and other task-related correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from others including managers, clients, and field colleagues.

Why GAI?    

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.    

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:    

Competitive Pay & Recognition  

• Market based, competitive compensation 
• Performance driven recognition and development bonuses 

Comprehensive Health & Wellness  

• Medical, dental, and vision plans 
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability 
• Company paid life insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources 

Meaningful Work–Life Balance  

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays 
• An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you 
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave 

Growth, Learning & Financial Security  

• 401(k) with company match 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications