Limited-Term Senior Biologist

Description: Under general direction, leads in the development of ecological restoration mitigation monitoring and reporting activities. Performs ecological investigations, research, monitoring, surveys, technical writing, planning and reporting to meet regulatory compliance objectives; protects, restores, enhances, and manages the District’s wetlands, flora, fisheries, and wildlife resources; provides guidance to assess, prevent, mitigate, and manage biological impacts resulting from District projects, programs, and activities; engages outside agencies and partnerships in a collaborative effort to stream line the delivery of restoration projects at the Salton Sea; and performs related work as required.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages the development, implementation and reporting of Mitigation Monitoring or Reporting Programs (MMRP) and Mitigation Monitoring Plan (MMP); assist with the identification, implementation, and evaluation of biological Best Management Practices (BMP); recommend and evaluate methods, goals, and measures of success; complete site assessments, prepare existing conditions reports, biological opportunities and constraints analysis, and biological data collection summaries.
• Manages and coordinates district mitigation sites including site maintenance, monitoring, and ensuring easements, partners, and tenants are in accordance with their terms and conditions.
• Identify issues, conduct assessments, review plans and specifications for sensitive species, habitat information, biological impacts, and mitigation projects.
• Advises management on natural resource permits and associated processes; interpret and negotiate permits, and identify the need for permits issued by resource agencies (e.g. U.S. Army Corp of engineers, CA department of Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Water Quality Control Board, etc.); serve as district liaison with the regulators.
• Engages and coordinates directly with outside agencies and partners in collaborative efforts to streamline delivery of Coachella Valley and Salton Sea restoration projects, including those projects proposed by the Quantitative Settlement Agreement, Salton Sea Management Plan, and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan project partners.
• Oversee, inspect, and negotiate the work of biological consultants and service providers (e.g. laboratories and nurseries); provide technical input to their work processes and products; service as District liaison for communication and contract administration; develop Request for Proposals (RFP) in compliance with the District’s procurement and contract administration policies and procedures.
• Manage technical services contracts and task orders; maintain contract records, process invoices, and ensure compliance with the contracts.
• Participate in the creation, monitoring, and maintenance of operating procedures, work instructions, forms, processes, standard methods, and protocol; design, oversee, and participate in quality control and quality assurance processes.
• Design, implement, analyze, and report on ecological monitoring activities; prepare a variety of technical and administrative reports; advise management on project parameters, timelines, and deliverables; provide project updates and attend public meetings as an expert.
• Monitors activities through workgroups, collaborative efforts, and CVWD initiatives to track and report ongoing activities of IID and SSMP in Environmental and Public Health conditions and the Salton Sea.
• Provides assistance to management staff; participates in and provides staff support to various committees and boards; prepares and presents staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary.
• Troubleshoot, resolve or mitigate project delays and ineffective processes.
• Remain current in subject matter requirements, including trends, innovations, and best practices; maintains professional networks, participates in professional group meetings, seminars, and workshops; review content from a variety of professional literature sources, including articles, websites, books, and research papers.
• Assist management with various administrative responsibilities and projects, such as budgeting, goals, procedures, and quality assurance standards for projects with biological drivers; analyze proposed and current legislation and governmental policies, rules, and regulations; develop recommendations for District compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, ecology, botany, wildlife, zoology or related discipline in a life sciences field, or a closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of environmental experience, including working with wildlife and navigating environmental regulations.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Learn more about the Coachella Valley Water District and apply here.