Description

This position is classified as a Temporary/Seasonal, Non-Exempt position that does not include benefits.  Spotted Owl Biologist, surveys and monitors threatened and endangered species for various environmental compliance projects; collects and analyzes biological data to determine project level biological impact constraints and assure that negative impacts are avoided, minimized or mitigated. May also be required to conduct Forestry Technician field work to implement Carbon Projects and other forest management projects.

Requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) surveys and monitoring which occurs at night.
• Completes NSO Survey Forms and turns in clean and clear copies to the NSO Crew Lead.
• Follows all NSO Team Protocols including Safety Protocols and Survey Protocols.
• Cares for and maintains rodent colony and feeds live mice to NSOs.
• Research agency records, databases, literature and GIS to inform assessments.
• Observe, identify and monitor species in the field; including special status species, sensitive species protocol surveys, wildlife identification, botanical identification, vegetation mapping / habitat assessments, GPS & GIS mapping, and monitoring to document environmental constraints analyses and compliance of projects.
• Identify project resource constraints and prescribe impact avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
• Compose and compile survey findings as Biological Resource Assessment Reports.
• Conduct environmental compliance monitoring.
• Compliance documentation QA/QC.
• Reporting on biological surveys and monitoring.
• Integrate with the forester or construction and design teams to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Senior Wildlife Biologist, Forester, Senior Forester, and Stewardship Coordinator.
• Follows instructions, follows safety protocols, maintains clear communication with coworkers, and responds to leadership direction. Gives and welcomes feedback.
• Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Seeks increased responsibilities.
• May compile data and information for public presentations.
• May track compliance paperwork and project costs.

Abilities

• Safely navigates steep and difficult terrain in remote locations often in adverse weather conditions, requiring long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
• Works alone or in small groups in remote areas at night (i.e. conducts night surveys on foot).
• Conduct general biological field assessments (often in adverse weather / terrain conditions).
• Remains flexible with the ever-changing workload, working conditions and project/agency requirements; works well in group problem solving situations using reason when dealing with emotional topics.
• Proficient technical, writing and verbal communications skills; ability to compose project reports and other technical documents.
• Ability to collect and organize data, generate and evaluate alternatives, reach logical conclusions, and formulate consistent recommendations.
• Possesses self-motivation, solid time-management, follow-through skills and the ability to work against a deadline. Takes independent actions as appropriate and asks for help when unsure how to handle a situation or when a decision requires a more qualified expert.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel. 
• Assist with GIS data research, analysis and mapping.

Valued but not required abilities

• Be able to mediate issues between competing groups in the field.
• Experience conducting the following specific biological surveys:
  • Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis)
  • Bird surveys including raptors
  • Special Status frogs (Rana sp.)
  • Marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus)
• Experience using specialized field equipment (i.e. relaskop, prism, diameter tape, clinometer, laser, chainsaw, ATV, etc.).
• Experience conducting plant, stream and/or jurisdictional Water inspections.
• Construction monitoring.
• Invasive species management.
• Wildlife handling.
• California General Permit and SWPPP Inspection.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

CA Driver's License and a clean driving record

Work Environment 

NSO surveys are primarily conducted in remote locations at night. Cell phone service is often limited, therefore complying with NCRM Safety Protocols is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to inclement weather conditions while hiking and working outside, moving mechanical parts of tools such as chainsaw or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 Physical Qualifications 

The employee must be physically fit and able to navigate rugged conditions on foot (day and night surveys may be required).  The employee is required to work in the office or travel to the field and walk long distances with rigorous elevation gain while wearing a 30-pound backpack and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus and to discern colors.

 Note:  The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.