What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Biologist position at Vernadero Group Incorporated?

Vernadero is a Veteran-Owned Small Business founded in 1999 to provide infrastructure and environmental program support primarily to Federal agencies. Vernadero specializes in natural resource management and conservation planning consultation, providing a variety of biological services to federal agencies, including Department of Defense (DoD) clients.

Job Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for applying senior professional biological consulting skills and leadership in support of Military construction and training operations primarily in southern California. The Senior Biologist will support projects and processes that stem from regulatory compliance under the Sikes Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) as well as Executive Orders, Installation Base Orders, and all other applicable regulations. The Senior Biologist must have extensive experience in desert tortoise surveying and biology.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for :

Conducting and overseeing surveys and biological monitoring of special status species including federally listed threatened and endangered species, to ensure compliance with USFWS Biological Opinions, installation regulations, and all other applicable regulations such as the MBTA and CWA.
Leading desert tortoise surveys and survey crews.
Obtaining approval as an Authorized Biologist and / or a Listed Authorized Individual on USFWS Biological Opinions / Recovery Permit(s).
Conducting native plant surveys and habitat assessments with the ability to classify vegetation communities, and identify both common and rare species.
Writing and reviewing biological technical reports including Biological Assessments (to initiate formal consultation with USFWS in accordance with Section 7 of the ESA); developing Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans in accordance with the Sikes Act; and preparing biological resource sections for NEPA documents including environmental assessments and environmental impact statements.
Leading project execution with junior to mid-level biologists participating both in the field and in the development of technical reports.
Support project schedule development, budgets and status reporting, and coordination with internal staff, subcontractors, clients, regulators and project stakeholders.
Development and presentation of environmental education plans and briefings.
Effectively pursuing business development opportunities and participation in team development of proposals.

The ideal candidate will possess :

Proven field management experience with excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills.

Practical experience with the ESA and MBTA.

Practical experience with desert tortoise field protocols including presence / absence surveys, radio telemetry / tracking, health assessments, transmitter placement / removal and / or line distance sampling.

ESA 10 (a)(1)(A) permits for California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, arroyo toad, Stephens’ kangaroo rat, San Diego and Riverside fairy shrimp or other federally listed threatened and endangered species occurring in the U.S. with an emphasis in species occurring in California.

Experience with surveying or monitoring California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, least tern, western snowy plover, Ridgway’s rail, arroyo toad, vernal pool invertebrates, thread-leaved brodiaea, desert tortoise, burrowing owl, as well as other federally listed species or special status species occurring in the U.S.

Familiarity with conservation planning concepts, particularly in Southern California.

Excellent written and oral communications skills, and collaboration skills.

Highly organized, fast learner, and able to work alone or in teams in a complex environment.

Ability to mentor junior to mid-level staff.

Excellent time management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple assignments and operate under deadline driven timelines, and within tight budgets.

Qualifications

The following are minimum qualifications that applicants must possess :

Minimum B.S. or B.A. related to biology, ecology, natural resource management or related environmental science discipline. Advanced degree (Masters / PhD) desired.

Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience.

Proven biological project leadership experience in natural resource management and conservation.

Ability to use of ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123 and submeter-accurate GPS units.

Ability to pass a background check and obtain government security clearance.

U.S. citizenship and ability to travel nationwide.

A valid U.S. driver’s license and safely be able to operate a 4WD vehicle.

Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office suite, MS Access, MS Project, ArcGIS, database management and statistical analyses.

Preference will be given to candidates that possess :

Experience with Military Construction activities on Army, Navy, Marine Corps and or Air Force installations.

ESA 10 (a)(1)(A) permits for federally listed endangered species occurring in the western U.S.

Desert tortoise health assessment certification from the USFWS.

Professional certifications in Project Management and Natural Resource Management.

Other :

The position includes both office and field-based assignments. An individual must be able to walk and hike through rough terrain, operate at times in extreme weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, wind, rain).

The position will involve short term travel to client locations, including working at field sites for extended periods of time.

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