Biology Group Manager

~ KMEA is a multi-discipline environmental services firm expanding its contracts with the Federal Government. ~

Position Overview

We seek a full time Biology Group Manager for the San Diego area, experienced in conducting and managing task orders/projects for government and/or private sector clients.  The successful candidate must have project management skills and experience in estimating, planning, budget and schedule control, procurement, field work execution, and technical report preparation.

This person will lead and direct team members in performance of field work and office tasks, and may also perform some of these functions as required.  The position works primarily out of our Kearny Mesa office but does require some travel for field assignments.  

Responsibilities

• Supervise Natural Resources group (consists of a mix of approx. 30 part time and full time employees); coordinate schedules and review work product
• Analyze regulations and existing reports to develop approach
• Develop cost proposals
• Prepare work plans, sampling and analysis plans, and health & safety plans
• Assist procurement staff and provide oversight of subcontractors
• Serve as point of contact to clients and other stakeholders
• Lead field teams and implement/manage field work in accordance with approved plans
• Conduct wildlife and habitat monitoring and restoration
• Collect and manage field data and interpret field and analytical data
• Prepare technical reports and other client deliverables, serving as primary author as required
• Conduct Clean Water Act Section 404 (surface water and wetland) investigations
• Prepare ecological and water resource technical reports based on desktop and field assessments
• Prepare environmental review documents complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• Lead field crews conducting ecological studies, and directly participate in these activities
• Write sections of EIS and EIR documents
• Prepare technical sections of environmental documents
• Operate in an environment of tight schedules and limited budgets
• Coordinate with project stakeholders

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• A 4-year degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field (Master’s degree is preferred)
• A minimum of 10-years of experience working in biology or habitat restoration
• 4 years’ experience in management of task orders/projects, demonstrating strong managerial and technical writing skills
• Expertise with Southern California flora and fauna
• Relevant experience conducting field surveys in the coastal and desert regions of California
• Ability to conduct strenuous field work
• Good organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), PowerPoint. Familiarity and working knowledge of ArcGIS, AutoCAD, or other software is also a plus
• Working knowledge of Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), DOD environmental policies and directives, and others
• Knowledge of wildlife habitat and management of special status species (threatened endangered, candidate and sensitive plants or animals)

Preferred Requirements:

• Wetland delineation experience (completion of formal training course and actual field experience)
• 5 years of experience conducting ecological studies and preparing environmental documents in support of NEPA compliance in the transportation, energy, water and other sectors
• 5 years of experience conducting rare/protected species habitat evaluations and making impact/effect determinations
• Experience conducting environmental impact assessments and preparing Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, etc.
• Experience conducting flora and fauna surveys and preparing reports of findings
• Possess USFWS recovery permits or ability to perform work with one or more of the following federally-listed species:  Quino Checkerspot butterfly, listed Fairy shrimp, Least Bell’s Vireo, Arroyo toad, Desert tortoise, California gnatcatcher, pacific pocket mouse, Stephens’ kangaroo rat

Other Requirements:

• Must pass drug test, MVR check and federal government background check
• Must be a U.S. resident or have permanent citizenship
• Must be able to travel up to 20% of the time for field assignments
• Must possess valid driver’s license within the applicable jurisdiction and meet KMEA’s auto insurability requirements

~ KMEA is an EOE and encourages qualified U.S. Military Veterans and other qualified Protected Class ~