Description
We are seeking an On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner to join our Planning & Environment group based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or El Paso, Texas. As an On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner, you will support a diverse range of environmental planning, biological field survey, permitting, and compliance projects across the Desert Southwest.
Your Impact
- Conduct biological field surveys, habitat assessments, and environmental data collection under supervision.
- Identify plants, wildlife, and sensitive habitats characteristic of the Desert Southwest.
- Support surveys for special-status species, including endangered plants and avian species.
- Assist with environmental planning, permitting, impact assessments, construction monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
- Contribute to natural resource sections of environmental assessments, biological evaluations, technical memoranda, permit applications, and related environmental documents.
- Prepare accurate and defensible survey reports, technical memoranda, field documentation, and supporting materials.
- Maintain field notes, photographs, geographic data, species observations, project files, and tracking tools in accordance with project quality requirements.
- Coordinate field activities and project requirements with project managers, technical specialists, subcontractors, and agency or tribal representatives.
- Maintain awareness of applicable environmental regulations, agency guidance, survey protocols, and regulatory changes.
- Follow applicable health and safety requirements when working outdoors, traveling, and conducting work in remote locations.
- Perform other duties as required by project and business needs.
- Up to 80% travel may be required, primarily to southeastern New Mexico, typically for field assignments lasting 2 to 6 days.
Who You Are
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science (Botany, Wildlife Biology, etc.), Natural Resource Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
- 3 to 5 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, completing environmental field surveys for plants and animals, construction support, impact assessments, and permitting.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Effective analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species required.
- Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
- Proficient technical writing skills
- Proficient interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
- Proficiency identifying plants and wildlife of the Desert Southwest.
- Experience with discipline-specific software (Microsoft Office Suite).
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability and willingness to travel, work outdoors in remote locations, and maintain project-specific schedules that may extend beyond the typical workweek.