Senior Biologist & CEQA Specialist

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.

ESA is seeking a skilled Senior Biologist & CEQA Specialist with 5+ years' experience to join our Biological Resources and Land Management practice in Southern California.  We welcome a collaborative team member with a growth mindset & 5+ years' experience as a lead author of CEQA biological resource sections and biological resource technical reports for projects of moderate complexity. Qualified candidates must be experienced, able, & willing to conducting plant and wildlife surveys and habitat assessments, monitor sensitive biological resources, collect data digitally and analyze results, and deliver quality technical written work products. Qualified candidates must be open and willing to work hybrid 2-days a week from any of our Southern California ESA Office locations and open to occasional travel for various project site visits and in-person team collaborations as needed.  Preference given to candidates who can work hybrid from our San Diego, Irvine, LA, Pasadena, or Santa Barbara Offices. 

Who You Are 

• You are an experienced biologist who performs natural resource-related evaluations, technical studies, and has at least five years of professional experience.
• The ideal biologist will specialize in one or more areas, including biology, ecology, marine science, wetlands, wildlife, and similar natural resource-related disciplines
• Experience authoring technical writing of CEQA and biological resource technical reports required. 
• Ability to conduct NEPA analysis and associated technical writing is desirable. 
• You collect, interpret, and analyze field survey data and may serve as a technical/resource specialist.
• You may serve as Deputy Project Manager or Task Manager on projects. You're self-aware, self-motivated, and respectful and empathetic toward others. You accept responsibility for your actions, constructively give and receive feedback and work collaboratively with a team mentality. 
• Previous experience with software like Field Maps, Collector, Survey123, and GIS are preferred while experience with Microsoft Suite is required.
• Must hold a bachelor's degree with major course work in biology, ecology, environmental science, or other environmental related interdisciplinary fields. 
• Willing and able to mentor junior team members
• You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 40 pounds. You are confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground in a variety of environments, along stream banks, and in coastal/intertidal areas. You may be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions. Some night and/or weekend work may be required.
• You possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

What You Will Do for ESA

• As a mid-level biologist, you will apply critical thinking and problem solving to select and apply standard techniques, methods and procedures for a wide range of basic to medium complexity biological studies, may serve as a technical specialist.
• You will possess an understanding of regulations, policies, and principles in the topic and location of expertise.
• You will serve as a contributing or lead author of environmental documents potentially including technical memoranda, biological assessments/evaluations, scientific discipline reports, and/or sections of NEPA and/or CEQA analyses, resource-related permit applications and/or other documents.
• You will prepare draft documents that are clear, concise, well-written and supported. You will perform biological field studies such as habitat and species surveys, habitat inventories and assessments, wetland and stream delineations, compliance monitoring and habitat restoration; however, the primary need for this position is a strong technical writing ability.