Biologist jobs in Santa Clarita, CA

ESA is seeking a skilled biologist with 2-7 years' experience to join our biological resources and land management practice in Southern California. We welcome a collaborative team member with a growth mindset able to conduct plant and wildlife surveys and habitat assessments, monitor sensitive biological resources, collect data digitally and analyze results, and deliver quality technical written work products. Qualified candidates with 0-3 years of experience who meet the qualifications will also be considered. Preference given to candidates who can work hybrid from any of our SoCal ESA offices.

Who We Are

We are a 100% employee-owned planning and environmental consulting firm, with a dedicated aviation practice, that partners with clients and communities to drive sustainable, resilient, and equitable solutions that shape a better world. We value diversity and inclusion and celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that our variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better solutions, which fosters our continued success for our employee-owners and clients.

Who You Are

You are an experienced entry- to mid-level biologist who performs natural resource-related evaluations, technical studies, analyses, and tasks requiring knowledge based on education and at least two years of professional experience. You may specialize in one or more areas, including, but not limited to: botany, conservation biology, ecology, entomology, fisheries/ichthyology, forestry, mammalogy, marine ecology, ornithology, wetlands, wildlife, and similar natural resource related disciplines.

You collect, interpret, and analyze field survey data and may serve as a technical/resource specialist. You may serve as Deputy Project Manager or Task Manager on basic or lower complexity projects. You primarily work with substantial direction, but sometimes work with limited direction. You have limited client interaction and may perform routine marketing tasks.

You are self-aware, self-motivated, and respectful and empathetic toward others. You accept responsibility for your actions, constructively give and receive feedback and work collaboratively with a team mentality.

You hold a bachelor’s degree with major course work in biology, ecology, or another environmental related interdisciplinary field.

What You Will Do for ESA

Technical & Professional Expertise: As an entry- to mid-level biologist you will apply critical thinking and problem solving to select and apply standard techniques, methods and procedures for a wide range of basic to lower complexity biological studies, may serve as a technical specialist. You will perform biological field studies such as habitat and species surveys, habitat inventories and assessments, wetland and stream delineations, compliance monitoring and habitat restoration. You will possess a basic understanding of regulations, policies, and principles in the topic and location of expertise. You will serve as a contributing author of environmental documents potentially including technical memoranda, biological assessments/evaluations, scientific discipline reports, and/or sections of NEPA and/or CEQA analyses, resource-related permit applications and/or other documents. You will prepare draft documents that are clear, concise, well-written and supported.

You will work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team. You will have strong writing skills, effective oral presentation skills, listening skills, and the ability to present information understandably about basic or moderately complex topics. You take the initiative to provide mentoring to more junior staff. You will demonstrate equitable and inclusive ways of working with others: treat others with respect, empathy, and dignity. You will thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment and are able to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines while working on a team or independently.

You will perform projects functions such as development and tracking of scope, schedule, and invoices under Project Manager’s direction. You will primarily perform work with substantial direction. You will deliver project assignments on time and within budget. You will check work for errors, accuracy, and applicability to project needs.

You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 40 pounds. You are confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground and sometimes steep terrain in forested environments, fields, arid lands, along stream banks, and in coastal/intertidal areas. You may be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions. Some night and/or weekend work may be required.

Driving needs: You will participate in compliance monitoring and reporting activities for on-going construction projects; you will work near heavy equipment. You possess a valid CA driver’s license, a clean driving record, and have experience driving 4WD vehicles off-road.

ESA has established multiple pay ranges tailored to the economic factors in the geographies in which ESA staff reside. For this position with 0-3 years of experience, the range is $66,560 - $85,929 annually based on our anticipated hiring locations as noted in the above job details. If hired at a more advanced level with 2-7 years of experience, the position range is $69,764 - $101,158 annually based on our anticipated hiring location as noted in the above job details. Actual compensation is determined by many factors including an individual’s related experience, education, skills, and the city where the applicant lives

What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of an industry leading team of employee owners who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company shares through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a 401(k) plan with company match, annual performance-based bonuses, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.

What’s Special About Our Biological Resources Team in California

Our Biology Team includes biologists, restoration ecologists, permitting specialists, conservation biologists, and environmental scientists that provide expertise for many municipalities throughout California. Our work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens in balance with conserving our state’s sensitive natural resources.

We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration.