Biologist (Transportation Permitting Focus)

Job Description
At Olsson, we help our clients proactively comply with complicated regulatory processes and provide our clients with the latest and best methods to review projects and maintain compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act-Section 404 and others.
As a Biologist, you may manage small and/or medium-sized projects, work with regulators (USACE, USFWS, FHWA, AZGF, ADEQ, ADOT) to permit projects, coordinate with clients, and collaborate with team members. You may also mentor and train others on complex work and travel to job sites for observation and field work.
Work responsibilities will be consistent with experience and expertise and will grow throughout your career at Olsson. Mid-level and experienced professionals are encouraged to apply. Compensation will be consistent with level of experience.
Work includes the following elements:
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance
Reviewing transportation projects for environmental impacts and writing NEPA documents including categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements. Most transportation projects result in categorical exclusion and the NEPA documentation provides FHWA sufficient information to confirm compliance.
Preferred candidate has experience or knowledge with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) transportation projects including 4f/6f, socioeconomic, floodplains, noise, farmland, cultural, hazardous wastes, wetlands, and threatened and endangered species.
Endangered Species Act (ESA) Compliance
Evaluating ESA compliance including threatened and endangered species effects determinations through desktop screenings, habitat assessments, and field surveys. Writing biological assessments and completing informal and formal USFWS coordination.
Clean Water Section 404 Permitting
Conducting wetland and stream delineations, writing jurisdictional determination reports, and writing Section 404 nationwide and individual permits.
Field Surveys
In compliance with regulatory requirements, field surveys are often required. Experience and expertise in the following will be strongly considered:
Plant identification and habitat assessment,
Bird identification and raptor nest monitoring,
Field sampling methods and equipment use - GPS equipment, ArcGIS software, statistical modeling, and
Sampling threatened and endangered species (USFWS handling permit).