Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist

Job Description

AECOM is seeking an experienced Authorized Desert Tortoise Field Biologist in the southern/central California desert regions. This is a field-based, fully remote, on-call position requiring the ability to be local on field assignments for extended periods but linked to a Southern California-based office.

This position would support numerous natural resource projects with a focus on biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring primarily for desert tortoise and/or burrowing owl, with potential to assist with vegetation mapping, wildlife assessments, habitat restoration, and/or permitting implementation with support from junior biologists. 

The responsibilities of this position could include a subset of those listed below based on relevant experience:

• Lead protocol and pre-construction desert tortoise surveys and monitoring. Including handling, rehydration, health assessment experience.
• Lead and conduct focused burrowing owl surveys and monitoring, including passive relocation.
• Lead and conduct focused American badger and desert kit fox surveys and monitoring.
• Conduct general wildlife and/or botanical surveys, including vegetation and habitat mapping.
• Identify and record native and non-native fauna and/or flora in the field.
• Conduct other special-status species surveys, following established protocols or guidelines as relevant.
• Conduct avian species nesting surveys and avian mortality monitoring.
• Support project execution, including pre-construction surveys and construction monitoring.
• Assist with environmental compliance monitoring.
• Provide oversight of restoration crew work and restoration vegetation performance monitoring.  
• Perform other related duties assigned, such as coordination with team members, scheduling of work, etc.
• Utilize electronic data collection methods in the field; manage, interpret, and analyze data, as needed.
• Conduct monitoring and survey fieldwork as part of a team and independently in inland and desert environments, which can include rugged terrain.
• Work under the supervision of a senior project manager or senior-level team member.
• Ensure assigned tasks stay on schedule and budget.
• Elevate compliance concerns to project or construction managers.
• Provide clarification of resource project requirements to the compliance and construction teams.
• Promote safety culture and adherence to Safe Work Plans.
• Willingness to temporarily relocate to the California Desert region (including Blythe, El Centro, Palm Springs, Barstow, etc.), based on assignment.

Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist:

To be approved by the USFWS to conduct activities that may result in “take” of the desert tortoise, an authorized biologist should have thorough knowledge of desert tortoise behavior, natural history, and ecology, and demonstrate substantial field experience and training to successfully:

• Locate, identify, and report all forms of desert tortoise sign in accordance with approved protocols.
• Handle and temporarily hold desert tortoises.
• Relocate/translocate desert tortoises prior to implementation of projects.
• Excavate burrows to locate desert tortoises or eggs.
• Reconstruct desert tortoise burrows.
• Unearth and relocate desert tortoise eggs.
• Review and approve individual desert tortoise monitors and their activities based on qualifications of the monitors.
• Directly supervise desert tortoise monitors during clearance surveys and train monitors in all aspects of protecting desert tortoises during implementation of projects.
• Be familiar with project biological assessments and biological opinions or incidental take permits.
• Direct proper implementation of protective measures.
• Record and report incidents of noncompliance in accordance with a biological opinion or permit.
• Halt project activities according to the provisions of the biological opinion or permit.

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it.  We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.

AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (biology, ecology, etc.) 
• 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience working in desert environments within the range of the desert tortoise with raining and/or experience conducting surveys for listed species local to southern California desert regions, particularly desert tortoise and burrowing owl.
• A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior consulting experience is preferred, but non-consultant candidates with relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience conducting biological surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring and biological construction oversight.
• Field experience with special status species of southern California or Nevada, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Substantial field experience and training to safely and successfully conduct desert tortoise surveys and monitoring.
• Substantial field experience to conduct focused burrowing owl surveys
• Experience implementing the terms and conditions of USFWS biological opinions and CDFW incidental take permits.
• Familiarity with the Desert Tortoise (Mojave Population) Field Manual (USFWS 2009).
• Knowledge of southern California wildlife and plant species.
• Possess a 10(A)(1)(a) permit for listed species local to southern California and Nevada
• Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle over difficult terrain.
• Strong leadership and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting programs.
• Experience on construction-associated transmission and/or utility projects.
• Familiarity with regulatory and permitting requirements under the federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, NEPA, CEQA, and the Clean Water Act.
• Flexibility and willingness to support multiple projects as needed.
• Strong organizational and proactive communication skills.
• Experience with electronic data collection (Fulcrum, Field Maps, etc.).

Additional Information

THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY JANUARY 29, 2027.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Compensation: 42 to 54 (USD) (HOURLY)