Associate Biologist - Los Angeles & Downtown Los Angeles

Job Title: Associate Biologist
Reports To: Shannon Lucas, Senior Biologist
FLSA Status: Exempt
Prepared By: Human Resources Manager
Prepared Date: 01/31/07
Location: Los Angeles and Downtown Los Angeles

Summary: The Associate Biologist prepares biological resources reports and sections of CEQA documents and has the ability to identify from environmental analyses and studies the environmental impacts on biological resources under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provides assistance to the Senior Biologist with regard to field surveys, preparing reports, and conducting client relations
• Assists with the writing of biological resources sections of environmental documents (i.e. Initial Studies, EIR sections, etc), including peer review and analysis of existing biological resources reports
• Assists with the preparation of other CEQA document sections (i.e. hydrology and water quality, geology and soils, air quality, noise, aesthetics, etc.) as needed in the absence of biology project work
• Assists with Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and analyses as needed and under the direction of the GIS Manager
• Maintains liaison with personnel from agencies and the project team to discuss and review problems and issues of mutual concern.
• Analyzes and is informative of local, state and national laws for impacts on natural resources and environmental quality.
• Participates in hearings, conferences and seminars as assigned.
• Keeps abreast of relevant literature, documents and basic texts for acquisition and bibliographic reference.
• Assists with all aspects of proposal preparation as needed, including cost analysis.
• Oversees and manages staff that assists with specific graphics, presentation, research, and/or production of environmental documents as related to biological resources.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Minimum four-year accredited degree, preferably in related field or equivalent professional or voluntary work experience
• 3-5 years of professional work experience in a related field (discretionary)
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques involved in the conduct of biological resource studies and site surveys (including plant community identification and mapping, general plant and animal species and habitat identification, topographic map and aerial photograph interpretation, standard research using the California Natural Diversity Database and other resources; other specialized survey skills such as rare plant surveys, wetlands delineations and/or special status wildlife surveys are preferred but not required)
• Good knowledge of local, state (including CEQA), and federal environmental regulations and land use principles and practices as related to biological resources
• Ability to conceive, organize and conduct biological studies
• The capability to assist with the writing of biological resources portions of environmental documents (i.e. Initial Studies, EIR sections, etc)
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of associated technical staff (i.e. GIS manager, graphics)
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, especially Microsoft Word
• Familiar with graphics programs and have the ability to be cross-trained in graphics preparation
• Good attitude and willingness to accept constructive criticism
• Ability to work independently with remote support and guidance from the Senior Biologist

Language Skills: Ability to read, interpret and write complex and routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers or employees of organization.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to deal with complex problems in a variety of situations.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently walk on uneven ground or in areas with no guardrails, up to 15 feet above the ground. The employee must, on occasion, walk in dense vegetation or steep terrain in remote areas. The employee must frequently lift and /or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, the employee must be able to either sit or stand for long periods of time.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is sometimes very loud.

Contact Human Resources by e-mail at HR@cajaeir.com

CAJA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND ADHERES TO HIRING PRACTICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS