Description

The Biological Resources Specialist at Sapphos Environmental Inc. (SEI) works under the direction of the Biological Resources Manager or Director to provide oversight and leadership to Team members engaged in focused or protocol field investigations or environmental permits or monitoring of compliance with environmental commitments.

The Biological Resources Specialist focuses on leading teams of 3–7 people to implement substantial work efforts to support a formal consultation under Section 7 of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), or application for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) pursuant to Section 10 (a)(1) of the federal Endangered Species Act or Section 2081 of the California Fish and Game Code (CFGC) California ESA; or is able to lead a jurisdictional delineation and permit application under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act or Section 1600 of the CFGC.

The Biological Resources Specialist should have demonstrated competency in Biological Resource management: State and federal Endangered Species Acts, California Fish and Game Code, natural resources databases, survey techniques, southern California plant communities, and identification of plant and wildlife resources. Must also have a working knowledge of CEQA, NEPA and other applicable federal, state and local statues and regulations. The Biological Resources Specialist may oversee assigned teams of SEI and on-call or contract biologists in their performance of contracted services and deliverables.

The Biological Resources Specialist facilitates people, projects and components of projects with related responsibilities in seven core competencies: Leadership and Collaboration, Business Acumen, Marketing Focus, Technical Proficiency, Firm-Focused Behaviors, Emotional Intelligence, and Safety. Versatile and proven team player with demonstrated competency in relation to SEI Right Attitudes.

Work efforts may be undertaken in diverse environments and may require being deployed to offsite locations for extended periods of time.

Requirements

 Degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, or other related field

 Design and implementation of field investigations in accordance with at least two guidance documents for biological resource investigations: 

o   California Department of Parks and Recreation Vegetation Mapping: A Primer for the California State Park System (https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/734/files/vegmap_primer.pdf); 

o   California Native Plant Society (CNPS) CNPS Botanical Surveys or California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Survey Protocols; 

o   USFWS or CDFW Species-specific Survey Protocols for special-status wildlife species; 

o   U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 1987 COE Wetland Delineation Manual; 

o   CDFW Lake and Streambed Alteration application guidance; 

o   City and County guidance documents for resources protected by Ordinance; and

o   Conservation plans for regional wildlife and wildlife movement

Strong technical writing and technical verbal communication skills.

Review, write, and revise environmental compliance documents including Biological Resources Technical Reports, Habitat Assessments, Permit applications, and amendments:

o   Sections 401, and 404 of Federal Clean Water Act;

o   §7 Consultation and §10(a)(1) incidental take permitting (ITP under FESA;

o   CFGC § 2081 CFGC  ITP application and amendments;

o   CFGC §1600, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements;

o   Biological Resources sections of  environmental documents pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including baseline conditions/affected environment, impacts/effects, and avoidance and mitigation measures;

o   Biological Assessments, Biological Resources Technical Report; and 

o   Other reports to meet federal, State, and local requirements.

California regulatory compliance and oversight experience.

Demonstrated experience in project management.

Knowledge of California plant and wildlife communities, in at least one of the provinces in California.

Experience with CEQA and NEPA regulatory compliance.

Effective written and verbal communications skills.

Stakeholder relationship building, coordination and cooperation experience.

Experience in the acquisition of environmental permits with one or more of the key agencies: USACE, USFWS, or CDFW

Experience in organizing, executing, and documenting internal staff and external client meetings.

Dispute resolution and problem-solving skills that can be applied to Biological Resources Team oversight and guidance, particularly in the field.