FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS) is searching for Senior Biologists to join our dynamic team. The Senior Biologist will focus their efforts on management of client and project needs relative to regulatory requirements of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other state and federal agencies. This role will be looked to to obtain and manage information needed to determine agency jurisdiction, complete permit applications, define mitigation options, and respond to agency concerns/comments.

This is a hands-on Manager role that will be involved in the mentoring and training of junior staff, preparing as well as managing the preparation of development constraints, analyses, and jurisdictional reports, develop Conceptual Mitigation Plans, 404(b)(1) alternatives analyses, and permit applications (especially for Section 404 permits and Section 1601/1603 agreements). This individual will act as liaison between resource agencies and clients, keeping clients informed of, and involved in the regulatory process. FCS will took to this role to continue to strive to increase personal knowledge of changing state and federal regulations, assist in informing FCS staff outside of the biological resources discipline, independently gain clientele, and manage staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Determines jurisdictional limits of various laws and regulations including Section 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act; Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act; Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act; and Section 1601/1603 of the California Fish and Game code
• Complete permit applications and define mitigation options
• Respond to agency concerns/comments
• Educates client in permit processes; advises client as to project design approaches that will minimize regulatory burden, and recommends course of action.
• Develops scopes of work for regulatory related projects, calculates project budgets and fees, and develops project schedules
• Writes and supervises the writing of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and USACE regulations
• Develop conceptual mitigation plans, endangered species biological assessments and permit applications (Section 404 permits and Section 1601/1603 agreements)
• Oversee Biology team and provide mentorship and training to junior staff
• Assist in marketing of FCS’s regulatory services through interaction with potential clients, active participation in appropriate organizations, preparation or review of news releases and articles, presentations at professional meetings, and other promotional activities

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of, and practical experience in application of USACE regulations (33 CFR Parts 320-330) and policy dealing with the USACE regulatory program.
• Thorough familiarity with EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 230) and USACE policy addressing compliance with Section 404(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act.
• Thorough familiarity with the National Environmental Policy Act, USACE regulations promulgated therefrom (33 CFR parts 230 and 325), and USACE policy dealing with environmental documentation.
• Thorough familiarity with USACE Regulatory Guidance Letters currently in effect.
• Thorough familiarity with RWQCB
• Regulations related to implementation of Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act.
• Regional Best Management Practices (construction and post – construction /operation requirements).
• Thorough familiarity with CDFW regulations (Section 1600 of the California Fish and Game Code) and policy regarding streamcourse modification and wildlife habitat preservation.
• Thorough familiarity with the Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and National Historic Preservation Act.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office software applications, especially Word and Excel; as well as Internet usage
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

Work Environment

The position operates in a combination of both a remote office environment as well as in the field and will be exposed to the environments. Diverse and inclement weather conditions and terrain may be experienced while in the field. Note: due to COVID-19 restrictions, all FCS staff are working remote/in a home office until further notice.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee may spend extended periods of time sitting and standing. The employee is required to stoop, walk, reach with hands and arms and have hand/finger dexterity. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Travel is required and this role must follow the FCS Travel and Workspace policies.

Performing field work duties requires the physical endurance to walk over a variety of terrains and in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, while caring equipment and/or a pack. Additional physical requirements for the position include the ability to lift at least 15 lbs. and walk/hike sometimes multiple miles per day.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the Environmental Sciences, preferably Biology
• Multiple years’ experience with a regulatory or permitting arm of the USACE, at a GS-9 level or higher, OR experience obtaining regulatory clearance through USACE for both public and private applicants
• Experience as a project manager managing staff, subs, budgets, invoicing and client interaction
• Advanced experience of wildlife assessment
• Knowledge of environmental regulations relation to biological resources including Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and California Fish and Game Code

Competency in two or more disciplines:

• California botanical inventory experience
• Terrestrial wildlife experience, especially bird identification
• Aquatic Resource (wetlands) Delineations as they pertain to state and federal jurisdictions

Working knowledge of the following a plus:

• State and federal endangered species acts
• US Clean Water Act sections 401 & 404
• Porter Cologne Water Quality Act
• California Fish and Game Code Sections 1600 et seq.
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act

FCS offers in-office, remote and hybrid work locations, flexible schedules, competitive salaries, a robust benefit package and opportunities for personal and professional development. If you want to work in a collaborative, creative work environment where you can provide meaningful contributions while being challenged to grow on the job, then you are encouraged to apply!