Jr. Biologist

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Jr.  Biologist for our Carlsbad, NM office.  Be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. 

Your Impact

• Vegetation surveys, including plant species identification, habitat knowledge
• Wildlife surveys for threatened and endangered species, bird fatality surveys including species identification, habitat knowledge
• Wetland surveys and delineation in support of Waters of the US pre-construction notifications and/or siting alteration/accommodations
• Writing Environmental Assessment (EA)/Biological Reports for Bureau Land Management (BLM) environmental permitting support for a variety of energy projects including NEPA authorization efforts with federal agencies, FERC environmental reporting, Clean Water Act (404, 402, 401) permitting, biological due diligence, natural resource fatal flaw analysis, and Federal, state, and local consultation and  environmental permitting Work on spill response and remediation projects
• Oversee and manage subcontractors
• Data compilation and analysis
• QA/QC documentation and processes
• Equipment maintenance
• Conducting field work including strenuous off-trail hiking for up to 10 miles a day in remote environment
• Implement safe work practices in the field in accordance with the HASP
• Represent WSP to client's and subcontractors in a professional manner

Other Duties may include but not be limited to:

• Assisting in data collection for spill response and remediation projects that will typically include, but not limited to: marking out release area for utility locates, GPS data collection, soil and groundwater sampling, drilling and/or excavation oversight, soil classification, and reporting
• Assist with environmental site investigation and remediation projects
• Collect soil, groundwater, indoor air, and waste samples
• Conduct regulatory compliance inspections (stormwater and SPCC)
• Evaluate and interpret data
• Assist with preparing project plans and technical reports
• Perform environmental due diligence research to support property transactions
• Provide general environmental compliance support to clients, as needed
• Prepare site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs)
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
   

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or course work in Biology, Ecology, or Natural Resources
• Must be able to pass a HAZWOPER physical and be medically able to wear a tight-fitting respirator.
• Must be physically able to climb slopes and berms, and cross uneven terrain, sometimes in extreme weather conditions.
• Have the ability to identify different rock formations and understand hydrogeologic processes.
• Able to analyze and solve problems independently
• Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with co-workers, clients and subcontractors
• Able to work both independently and as a member of a project team
• Able to oversee and work with subcontractors (e.g., drillers, construction workers, surveyors, etc.) while performing field work
• Frequent travel and/or field work (valid driver's license required)
• Able to work overtime (as needed) in both office and field
• Competence in Microsoft Word™, Microsoft Excel™, and Adobe Acrobat Professional™

Preferred Qualifications:

• 40- OSHA HAZWOPER, Safeland and H2S certifications
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental laws and regulations such as NMED, NMOCD, RCRA, CWA, CAA
• Experience collecting samples according to industry standards