Biologist

Job Description

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

The primary focus of this role is as a Lead Environmental Inspector, monitoring environmental compliance for construction associated with a Project in Riverside County, CA. A strong background in wildlife biology and/or botany with knowledge of Southern California species is desired.  Primary duties include providing oversight of construction to ensure environmental compliance and preparing required reports and documentation. Other duties may include being a primary author on complex technical documents, analyzing historical studies and data, synthesizing compiled datasets, collaborating with a large team of technical experts, and providing project management support. 

Note that this position is a project-specific hire with expected contract date through January 2027 (but is dependent on client authorization of contracted work and contingent on contract terms and conditions). Although possible if available, there is no guarantee of work outside of this project.

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

• Perform assignments requiring interpretation and application of federal, State, and local environmental regulations. 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 and apply to assigned tasks.
• Conduct writing assignments, including completing Biological Technical Reports, Mitigation and Monitoring Plans, Natural Environment Studies, Biological Assessments, and/or EIR/EIS sections.
• Lead wildlife and/or botanical surveys, including vegetation surveys.
• Conduct special-status species surveys.
• Lead environmental compliance monitoring teams, including coordinating with project managers, engineers, construction contractors and conducting worker environmental awareness programs.
• Support restoration planning and design.
• Perform other related duties assigned, such as coordination with team members, scheduling of work, etc.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Work under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member.
• Work independently and as part of a team; be innovative and a problem solver.
• Ability to independently manage projects or tasks and/or oversee project teams.
• Utilize electronic data collection methods (including GPS); manage, interpret, and analyze data.
• Support business development efforts in technical field.
• Provide survey Construction Lead support as needed.
• Conduct monitoring and survey fieldwork as part of a team and/or alone in diverse environments, which can include rugged terrain.
• Out of town travel will be required for this role.

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
• 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in environmental compliance within natural resources.
• Valid Driver's license required for this role and must be able to independently drive to job sites.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4+ years of relevant biological or natural resources experience.
• Strong biological field skills and knowledge of southern/central California wildlife and plant species.
• Strong technical writing skills on environmental technical documents supporting project coverage under the ESA, CESA, CWA, NEPA, CEQA, etc.
• Experience with construction activities associated with transmission projects.
• Familiarity with regulatory and permitting requirements under the federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, NEPA, CEQA, and the Clean Water Act.
• Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.
• Experience with electronic data collection.
• Training in relevant biological disciplines (e.g., wildlife, botany, wetland ecology, restoration, fisheries, herpetology, or entomology).
• Prior consulting experience preferred, particularly with southern California utility providers, but non-consultant candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
• Ability and desire to perform fieldwork on potentially difficult terrain and during adverse weather conditions.
• Experience as an Environmental Lead on projects involving construction monitoring, habitat assessments, and wildlife and botanical surveys.
• Experience in a client-facing role.
• Technical biological writing experience and CEQA/NEPA analysis.
• Working knowledge of special-status plants and wildlife in northern California, and associated state and federal environmental protections.
• Endangered species survey/handling experience.
• Experience as a technical reviewer of biological resources reports.
• Experience in developing project scopes and estimating project costs.
• Strong communications skills and ability to clearly communicate with construction crews, field staff, and clients.
• Experience working with construction crews and field engineers.
• Knowledge of GIS software and GPS equipment.
• Experience in Microsoft Access, ArcGIS Field Maps, or other computer programs to enter, summarize, and analyze data.
• Experience in electronic data collection form development and database management
• Experience conducting wetland delineations, writing aquatic resources delineation reports, and conducting Clean Water Act Section 401/404 permitting.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

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 2025. 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. 

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

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.