Biological Resources Specialist

Sapphos Environmental, Inc. is seeking a highly experienced and qualified Biological Resources Specialist with extensive technical expertise and project coordination capabilities. This position requires biological and environmental compliance technical knowledge, including permitting and regulatory expertise, and project management skills. Under the direction of the Biological Resources Supervisor/Manager, this position would require the employee to concurrently manage multiple projects, including the coordination and scheduling of resources and deliverables; budget management; design and conduct field studies; prepare and review technical reports; respond to Request for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications; maintain and build client relationships; and prepare and provide input to proposals. Superior technical writing skills and experience with the structure and formatting of a range of technical document types are required. The candidate should be adaptable in a fast-paced environment with the ability to assess priorities, effectively manage time, and collaborate within the team. A strong work ethic and collaborative spirit exemplify our existing team dynamics. 

• Review, write, and revise environmental compliance documents including: Biological Resources Technical Reports, Habitat Assessments, Permit applications and amendments (404, 401, 1600, 2081, Section 7/10), Biological Resources sections of CEQA and NEPA documents
• Write technically and procedurally adequate, legally defensible, organized, accurate, and grammatically correct technical documents
• Facilitate and directly acquire permits in accordance with various agencies’ regulations 
• Identify appropriate resources in preparing technical documents. Evaluate sources and check for accuracy
• Create accurate and manageable schedules for project work, understanding scope and budget, using Mavenlink project management software
• Coordinate budgets and labor specifications with project managers, field crew, technical managers, and other stakeholders 
• Identify appropriate subcontractors and supervise subcontractor work performance
• Attend, direct, and prepare for stakeholders’ meetings
• Work to the satisfaction of the client and foster a strong company-client relationship
• Maintain the administrative record for all projects as specified in company procedures
• Assist in marketing efforts and development of project proposals
• Make accurate, well prepared, and illustrated public presentations and participate in project-related public meetings (scoping, public review, and certification)
• Participate in fieldwork expeditions when necessary
• Attend meetings with clients at the request of project managers to provide expertise and consultation related to biological resources endeavors

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or closely related field (Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Sciences) and 5+ years of experience
• Regulatory compliance and oversight understanding
• Knowledge of Southern California plant and wildlife communities
• Experience with CEQA and NEPA regulatory compliance 
• Demonstrable planning, communication, scheduling, project tracking and organizational skills
• Stakeholder relationship building, coordination and cooperation 
• Dispute resolution and problem solving skills
• Strong expertise in the acquisition of permits through various agencies 
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver license and good driving record

Locations: (1) Pasadena, California and (2) Bakersfield, California 

Salary: $69,000 - $109,000

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.

There are 2 openings for this position, 1 in our Pasadena office and 1 in our Bakersfield office. When applying, please indicate in the Subject Field which office you are applying for. Thank you.

All interested applicants: Please send a cover letter, writing sample (less than 5 pages), and resume to tgonzalez@sapphosenvironmental.com.