Biologist

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Job description

Psomas is a 100% employee-owned, award-winning consulting firm specializing in construction management, engineering, environment, surveying and geospatial. We're 600 employees strong with a rich 75-year legacy, and we're expanding our footprint for exciting growth -- which means plenty of opportunity and the added values of agility and flexibility that you can only get with a midsize firm.

Use your talents and passions to improve the environment for all humankind. We believe that Psomas is more than a company -- it's a place where each person becomes part of a team and has the opportunity to work on projects that make a difference. Psomas is a place where you can build a career -- from your first job through retirement and all stages in between. We foster collaboration, teamwork, and professional development at every level.

Your Role and Responsibilities:

As a Biologist supporting our Resource Management Team in our Pasadena office, your general tasks/duties shall include, but are not limited to:

* Provide technical assistance and biological expertise in the protection and enhancement of natural resources in Griffith Park in particular, as well as throughout the City of Los Angeles park system as may be needed.
* Promote and assist in the development and implementation of both short-term and long-range plans, including species inventories, documentation and evaluation of impacts, resource preservation, ecological research, and nature within City parks.
* Advise City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) staff on the management of both "natural areas" and modified habitats used by wildlife, including lakes/wetlands/aquatic habitat, riparian areas, urban wilderness areas, and developed areas of existing parks.
* Coordinate the establishment of guidelines, practices, and programs to achieve sustainable ecosystem protection strategies and mitigation of human activity and impacts, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas within parks.
* Represent RAP, and/or assist in the coordination of RAP staff for participation in inter-departmental working groups related to natural resource stewardship and biodiversity.
* In cooperation with appropriate RAP staff, researchers, and partner groups, develop, test, and implement scientific monitoring protocols to identify and evaluate ecosystem components, such as sensitive or significant flora and fauna, and important ecological processes in City parks. Perform or coordinate associated field work as may be needed.
* Serve as a liaison between, and negotiate cooperative agreements and permits with, other City departments, governmental agencies, federal and state regulatory agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholder groups to carry out natural resource stewardship in City parks.
* Assist in the identification, and preparation of proposals in response to grants and other funding opportunities for natural area preservation, habitat restoration, environmental education, and related projects.
* Incorporate appropriate Geographic Information System (GIS) technology into projects and programs, to provide comprehensive and scientifically sound answers to inquiries from managers and others.
* Prepare written materials such as narrative reports, technical charts, infographics, presentations, and publications on a variety of environmental matters.
* Represent RAP at public meetings and make presentations to RAP management, elected officials, community groups and park stakeholders.
* Coordinate with RAP's Planning and Maintenance staff and community stakeholders on habitat restoration projects.

Required Qualifications:

* Master's degree or higher in Biology, Environmental Science, or related field.
* A minimum of five years of experience performing relevant environmental work as it pertains to the above listed duties.
* Familiarity with government environmental regulations including CEQA.
* Working knowledge of Southern California flora and fauna, and proficiency in local species and habitat identification.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* A valid California driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Proficiency in GIS software.
* Demonstrated experience in habitat restoration.
* Experience developing and tracking adaptive management plans, theories of change, and other strategic planning processes.
* Bilingual candidate desired.
* Familiarity with the City of Los Angeles parks.

Why Psomas

With a people-first philosophy, we continue to embrace initiatives for a forward-thinking, modern day workplace. From bright, flexible office spaces to diversity and inclusion efforts, Psomas is a company that leads with intention and embodies a set of core values. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:

* Strong pay + bonus programs
* Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental & Vision (through Kaiser, Cigna and VSP) + FSA, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability
* Psomas Pshares retirement + 401(k) plans
* Hybrid + flexible work schedules
* Work + life balance with paid holidays + PTO
* Mentoring, tuition reimbursement + career development
* Psomas perk events, activities, celebrations, swag + more!

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.