Biologist - job 1 of 2

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There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Biologist (Biologist II) for immediate, full-time employment within our Southern California Natural Resources Group.  This hybrid role will be based in our San Diego, CA office. 

This position would support numerous natural resource projects in the Southern California region with a focus on aquatic resources and hydrology, including conducting jurisdictional delineation surveys, preparing and coordinating wetlands and waters permit packages, and preparing aquatic resource delineation reports. In addition, the role will include a generalist biological background in wildlife biology, botany, restoration, compliance, and/or permitting. Familiarity with the application of CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act (CWA), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements are required. Duties will also include general biological surveys for wildlife, plants, and/or vegetation, electronic data collection, and preparation of technical reports. Expertise with electronic data collection along with the ability to work in challenging and rugged terrain and occasional out-of-town travel is required. This position will support multiple project managers on a variety of types of projects including utility, military, transportation, and renewable energy sectors.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, those listed below:

• Conduct writing assignments, including completing Biological Technical Reports, Aquatic Resource Delineation Reports, Biological Assessments, and/or EIR/EIS sections.
• Prepare and coordinate permitting packages for CWA, CDFW, CEQA, and NEPA permits.
• Perform jurisdictional water delineations in the field and make determinations.
• Work under supervision of senior project managers or senior-level team members.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Perform assignments that require background in wildlife and aquatic ecology, botany, and/or ecological restoration.
• Conduct biological and aquatic survey fieldwork as part of a team and alone in coastal, inland, and desert environments, which can include rugged terrain.
• Identify and record native and non-native fauna and/or flora in the field.
• Utilize electronic data collection methods and manage data, as needed.
• Support proposal efforts.
• Occasional travel may be required.

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it.  We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.

AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (biology, ecology, environmental science, environmental planning, etc.).
• 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalnecy of experience and/or education in natural/aquatic resources.
• Ability to perform field work, sometimes in remote areas.
• Valid U.S. driver's license is required, and must be able to safely drive to job sites.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• 4+ years of relevant experience in natural resources.  
• Prior consulting experience is preferred.
• Experience in Southern California and knowledge of the flora and fauna and Southern California strongly desired.
• Experience in biological survey fieldwork, including vegetation monitoring utilizing line-intercept, transect, and/or relevé methods.
• Experience supporting proposal efforts.
• Possess knowledge of major state and federal agencies (e.g., USACE, USFWS, BLM, CDFW, RWQCB, and CCC) and major regulatory frameworks (e.g., NEPA, CEQA, ESA, CESA, CFGC, CWA and CCA), as well as knowledge of regional conservation planning (i.e., MSCP, MHCP, MSHCP).
• Regulatory permitting experience related to jurisdictional waters.
• Completion of the Wetland Delineation Course through the Wetland Training Institute.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Ability to create and maintain tracking spreadsheets and documents.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team, identifying what needs to be accomplished and regularly completing tasks.
• Utilize electronic data collection methods and manage data, as needed.

• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.