Biological Resources Analyst (Field Compliance Monitor)

Sapphos Environmental, Inc. is hiring a full-time Biological Resources Analyst to conduct biological monitoring of construction activities, biological surveys, and report preparation for environmental compliance, inventory, and inspection work located in the vicinity of Fresno, California. The candidate must have at least one year of field experience in California, ideally with appropriate permits and licenses, and an ability to produce technical writing compliant with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) / National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) guidelines. Preference will be given to candidates having previous experience working with Central Valley small mammals and/or species such as burrowing owl, Swainson’s hawk, San Joaquin kit fox, California tiger salamander, and Hairy Orcutt grass.  

• Demonstrate professional knowledge, skills and experiences in the field of biology and/or related natural resources disciplines:

1. Biological resources regulatory framework
2. CEQA/NEPA
3. Biological expertise and practices consistent with USFWS and CDFW guidelines as main focus 
4. Field work in various environments and diverse weather conditions
5. Technical writing
6. Research
7. Software and equipment

• Conduct field compliance checks of construction sites and activities to ensure environmental compliance. 
• Attend meetings with clients at the request of project managers to provide expertise and consultation related to biological resources. Advise and assist coworkers regarding biological resources issues. 
• Write technically and procedurally adequate, legally defensible, organized, accurate, and grammatically correct technical documents. 
• Conduct thorough biological surveys of project sites, often in remote locations, based on CDFW and/or USFWS guidelines. Navigate and collect data using a GPS device. Travel for multiple consecutive days may be required. Data collected will be appropriately recorded and incorporated into technical documents.  
• As required by project scope or directed by biological resources manager, coordinate with the USFWS, CDFW, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, High-Speed Rail Authority, and other appropriate agencies and parties.   
• Maintain appropriate permits and licenses, including state collecting permit. 
• Identify appropriate resources in preparing technical documents, including primary and secondary sources. 
• Maintain the administrative record for all projects as specified in company procedures. 
• As required by the project scope, make competent, accurate, well-prepared, and illustrated presentations and participate in project-related meetings. 
• When required for project scope of work, identify appropriate subcontractors and supervise subcontractor work performance. 

• Bachelor’s Degree and 1+ years of experience. Degree in in Biology or closely related field.  
• 1+ years of biological fieldwork experience in California.  
• Understanding of CEQA/NEPA, USFWS and CDFW regulations and guidelines.
• Knowledge of avian biology, mammalogy, entomology and herpetofauna a PLUS.
• Experience with conducting small mammal surveys, nesting bird surveys and/or live-trapping a PLUS. 
• Experience with botanical resources a PLUS. 
• Travel to assessment sites at least five times per week.  
• Must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Fresno and Madera area.
• Work effectively under minimal supervision.  
• Capacity to excel in a teamwork-driven environment.  
• Strong organizational and coordination skills to deliver results in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates solid written and verbal communication skills.  
• State collecting permit preferred. Other species-specific permits a PLUS. 

• Location: Madera/Fresno/Merced, CA
• Salary Range: $41,000–$52,000
• Status: Exempt 
• Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage. 401k/Roth retirement accounts, flexible spending account, generous PTO package with up to 12 paid holidays (2 more after one year), annual training allotment, annual gym allotment, and more.

Qualified  applicants only, please send a cover letter, writing sample (less than 3 pages), and resume to  tgonzalez@sapphosenvironmental.com