Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist

EPS Energy Project Solutions powered by AKS Engineering and Forestry is seeking a full-time Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist based in our Las Vegas, NV office. This is a field-heavy role focused on biological surveys, environmental compliance, and technical reporting across energy, infrastructure, and development projects throughout the Southwest. You'll spend significant time in the field conducting wildlife surveys, supporting construction compliance monitoring, and preparing the technical deliverables that keep projects moving. This is a permanent, career-track position for someone who wants to grow with a team.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct and manage field investigations related to wildlife, botanical resources, waters of the United States, wetlands, and other biological and environmental resources.
• Serve as a Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist on construction and pre-construction projects, including clearance surveys, translocation, and on-site monitoring in compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requirements.
• Perform nesting bird surveys, habitat assessments, and other species-specific biological surveys as project needs arise.
• Analyze collected environmental data and compile professional technical reports including data assessment, evaluation, and original written analysis.
• Prepare summaries and reports on field investigation and inspection results for clients and regulatory agencies.
• Interface with clients, contractors, construction crews, and regulatory agencies professionally and pragmatically — ensuring project objectives are met while complying with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
• Prioritize tasks and work autonomously in both office and remote field settings, often independently.

Who You Are

• You hold a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• You are a previously approved U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist. You can provide documentation of prior project authorizations.
• You have a minimum of 2 years of dedicated field experience conducting biological surveys, wildlife monitoring, or environmental compliance work in the desert Southwest.
• You are a strong, clear communicator who can work effectively with construction crews, clients, and agency representatives in high-pressure field environments.
• You approach environmental work pragmatically — you follow the rules, do the work ethically, and keep projects moving forward.
• You are comfortable working independently in remote field conditions for extended periods, including long field days (9–11 hours).
• You produce accurate, professional technical reports and written deliverables with minimal oversight.
• You are organized, self-directed, and reliable — when a survey needs to happen tomorrow, you're ready.
• You hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Nice to Have

• BLM-approved botanist status or formal botany training and field experience.
• Experience with multiple species surveys beyond desert tortoise (nesting birds, raptors, burrowing owls, sensitive plant species).
• Familiarity with NEPA, ESA Section 7 and Section 10, and state-level environmental permitting in Nevada, California, or Utah.
• Experience working on energy, transmission, utility, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Prior consulting experience in a private-sector environmental firm.
• Cross-training potential across multiple biological disciplines.