Senior Biologist

Description

DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOU?

You are the type of person who enjoys using the biological expertise and analytical skills you have developed during your career to solve challenging environmental and regulatory issues with innovative and guidance-based solutions. You are highly motivated to work both independently and as part of a team to guide a project through various regulatory compliance processes, prepare technical documents, provide senior review of materials prepared by your peers, act as a mentor to junior staff, meet client objectives, and analyze and protect sensitive biological resources through proper application of local, state, and federal requirements. You believe strongly in the value of preparing robust, concise, and clearly written reports, application documents, and communication so that land use planners, environmental regulators, and other decision-makers have technically accurate, logical, objective, and reliable information to support their decisions regarding your clients’ projects. You are motivated by the prospect of working collaboratively with other industry experts and leveraging your regional knowledge to expand biological services within Southern California.

Ascent is looking for a full-time Mid- to Senior-Level Biologist to join our Natural Resources practice in Southern California. In a typical week as an Ascent biologist, you might: 

• Map boundaries of vegetation communities, including stands of invasive plants.
• Conduct reconnaissance-level surveys to classify habitats as suitable for rare, threatened, or endangered species.
• Conduct rare plant surveys in a variety of native habitats.
• Author or provide senior review of a biological resource section of a CEQA or NEPA document, evaluating potential environmental impacts and developing mitigation measures.
• Conduct formal wetland delineations and prepare subsequent aquatic resources delineation reports in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal rules, definitions, and guidance.
• Work with in-house regulatory staff to identify appropriate permit pathways for projects based on wetland delineation results and prepare appropriate application documentation while coordinating directly with regional agency staff.
• Meet regularly with other biological service leaders to discuss new opportunities and market sectors where the Southern California group can provide unique services and client support to grow and aid in the constructive stewardship of natural resources.
• Utilize digital field data collection tools and identify new approaches to enhance survey effectiveness.
• Evaluate a proposed vegetation management project for consistency with the California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP) or a similar programmatic environmental document. 
• Participate in a kick-off meeting with client representatives, resource agency staff, and other environmental professionals for a complex and challenging project that may affect multiple environmental systems and identify minimization and avoidance opportunities.
• Prepare biological service project proposals and schedules based on client needs and requests.
• Contribute to project success by providing excellent service and high-quality technical information to clients.
• Participate in in-house training sessions and discussions regarding current natural resource science topics, best practices, regulatory changes, etc.
• Travel to a project site to monitor compliance with environmental protection measures.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Requirements

• A BS and/or MS in Biology, Ecology, or a related field
• 6-9 years of relevant industry experience is required
• Candidate must possess strong plant and/or wildlife identification skills and the ability to identify and map Southern California vegetation communities.
• Extensive knowledge of California habitats and plant/animal species
• Section 10(a)(1)(A) permitted is preferred but not a requirement
• A strong understanding of CEQA and NEPA is required

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• None

Work environment 

• Typical office environment
• Hybrid

Physical Demands 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.

Travel  

• Traveling over multiple days for fieldwork is required

Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship

Additional eligibility requirements: N/A   

At Ascent, we believe in fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes our people. We are committed to holistic investments in our team, offering not only competitive salaries and comprehensive medical benefits but also a range of perks designed to enhance emotional, financial, and physical wellness. A comprehensive listing of benefits offered can be found here.

As a people first organization, we value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions. 

Interested in learning more about Ascent's culture? Reach out to our People Resources team at PeopleResources@ascent.inc. We look forward to hearing from you!

EEO Statement

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact PeopleResources@ascent.inc.

Ascent strives for equity in every area at Ascent, including compensation. To ensure candidates are paid fairly the offered salary will fall within this range and will be determined based on the candidate's demonstrated qualifications and alignment with the requirements of the position outlined above.