Careers in the Plant Sciences

San Joaquin Kit Fox Designated Biologist

Althouse & Meade, Inc. - Paso Robles, CA, United States

Position Title: San Joaquin Kit Fox Designated Biologist
Position Type: Permanent Position
Application Review Begins: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Application Deadline: Thursday, October 31, 2024
Institution: Althouse & Meade, Inc.
Department/Division: Biologist
Field (e.g., systematics):
City: Paso Robles, CA, United States
General Information: JOB SUMMARY

The Biologist/SJKF Designated Biologist (DB) position oversees and assists with kit fox and environmental compliance at an operating utility scale solar project. The job requires supervising a team of experienced wildlife biologists with implementing sensitive species surveys and protection measures and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal permits. Typical schedule is four 10-hour shifts per week on a remote industrial-scale solar site. Occasional overtime, weekend, and night work is scheduled as needed.

Required: Designated Biologist under a CDFW Incidental Take Permit.
Qualifications/Requirements: MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources or Wildlife Management or related experience.

Experience

5 to 10 years related experience in biology, botany, wildlife, endangered species management. Minimum 5-years of professional field experience with San Joaquin kit fox.

Knowledge

Advanced field experience and knowledge in recognizing birds, wildlife and plants throughout the San Luis Obispo County

Skills

Proficient analytical, data management and technical writing skills. Must be able to keep precise, accurate and legible field notes.

Abilities

Able to write clear and concise reports, and able to keep accurate field notes during monitoring and field work. Accomplished leadership skills. Organized in managing multiple projects.

Licenses/Certifications

Licensed or certified to handle or survey for applicable endangered species a plus. Must also have a valid California Driver’s license.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements

Occasionally able to lift, pull or push up to 50 lbs. Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift. Able to wear personal protective equipment (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and respirator).


Working Conditions

Must be able to walk 5 to 7 miles per day on relatively flat ground with day pack, water, supplies in variable weather conditions (windy, rainy, cold to 10 degrees F, heat to 110 degrees F).
Responsibilities: ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Coordinate and execute daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks

Understand and facilitate compliance of all site permits and requirements

Oversee and conduct biological surveys

Communicate and coordinate with staff, clients, contractors, and government agencies

Balance budgets and schedule staff to stay within budget while completing tasks

Maintain data and create environmental documents, updates, and technical reports

Meet and inform new contractors regarding site regulations to inform them of the biologist role in monitoring and protecting the local habitat

Monitor construction crews during day and night work

Coordination with on-site staff and other Designated Biologists

Coordinate with other project managers

Understand all safety requirements while leading others to work safely and follow all safety rules

Conduct early morning observations for wildlife that may be present in daily construction zones

Monitor daily construction areas for wildlife, especially avian species, mammals, reptiles, as well as common wildlife species

Capture and relocate wildlife, including snakes, as needed

Implement quality assurance/quality control plans to ensure the data collected and products prepared meet all standards and regulations

Document daily observations in database for GIS and statistical analysis

Study biological resources and environmental conditions affecting wildlife and research environmental effects of solar farm

Communicates observations to associates, client representatives, contractors, county, and other trustee agencies as appropriate

Identifies, classifies, and studies distribution, abundance, behavior, physiology, and distribution, as applicable, of plant and animal species

Researches environmental effects of proposed project and identifies methods of improving or maintaining environmental conditions

Work with designated project biologists and outside experts to produce publishable research papers based on field data collected

Provide project review and review plans

Prepare summaries of biological constraints

Prepare biological/technical reports and assist with project management

Provide groundwork for regulatory permit applications

Excellent communication with clients and agency personnel.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES



Assist with permit package development

Provide support in other departments when needed

May be involved in supporting Project Managers with scheduling staff or field assignments

Assigned as the onsite Lead when required
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): We are growing and expanding!

We are currently hiring for:
​​
-San Joaquin Kit Fox Designated Biologist
-Experienced Field Botanist

Submit your resume to: hr@althouseandmeade.com
Compensation Range: $23-$43 DOE
Contact Name: Lacey Pringle-Haymones, hr@althouseandmeade.com