Easter Seals Jobs

DEFINITION

Under direct or general supervision, performs a wide range of wildlife monitoring, habitat conservation and restoration, and management activities necessary to protect and enhance wildlife populations and their habitats on District managed lands. Develops wildlife management policies, procedures, and plans; leads or oversees wildlife handling, species identification, habitat assessment, monitoring and reporting activities; secures permits and necessary agency approvals; oversees design, implementation, and reporting of short and long-range field research; seeks grant funding for research and ecological enhancement projects; serves as subject matter expert to other staff to ensure District projects and programs are in compliance with local, state, federal, and District regulatory requirements, policies, and best management practices; maintains up-to-date GIS inventories of ecological resources on District properties; coordinates with outside agencies to share information and collaborate on projects and programs; coordinates efforts among District staff and outside consultants, contractors, and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the District staff in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct or general supervision from the Planning and Conservation Program Manager. May coordinate technical and functional practices with division and District staff, interns, consultants, contractors, and/or volunteers.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Wildlife Biologist is a fully experienced position, expected to perform the full range of assigned professional and technical wildlife management and monitoring work, including wildlife/habitat assessments and surveys, regular monitoring and reporting, developing and revising policies, procedures, plans and guidance for management of the Districts biological resources, short and long-term scientific research projects to inform the management and restoration of District lands, securing permits and ensuring compliance with CEQA, CESA, ESA and other applicable environmental regulations. Incumbent at this level is expected to work as a division and District team member, or independently, exercise sound judgment and initiative, and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the Districts operating procedures and policies.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Assists with or leads a variety of projects or assignments;

Performs research, provides analysis, collects data, conducts field and resource assessments, and makes recommendations;

Contributes to, develops, and implements the Districts biological monitoring and research activities, policies, programs, plans, and projects in accordance with established policies and scientific principles;

Assesses District projects, consults with regulatory agencies, and obtains and ensures compliance with State and Federal permits, biological opinions, and/or authorization for Districts habitat restoration, trail, and capital improvement projects, and Districts programs;

Conducts environmental assessments and prepares necessary documentation to ensure compliance with CEQA, NEPA, Safe Harbor Agreements, Habitat Conservation Plans, Habitat Management Plans, and other applicable environmental regulations;

Provides guidance and interpretation regarding wildlife interactions/needs, especially state and federally protected species like California red-legged frog, California Tiger Salamander, Smiths blue butterfly, Western Snowy Plover, Western Pond Turtle, etc.;

Develops and implements wildlife habitat enhancement and conservation projects to abate known threats to the District lands and park users including climate change, habitat decline, wildfire, flood events, trespass, emerging pathogens and invasive species;

Designs and manages volunteer-based citizen science and ecological management activities focused on ecological health and resilience;

Conducts wildlife tracking and movement monitoring studies via installation of a network of camera traps and other remotely sensed method;

May assist with baseline documentation and monitoring and reporting as necessary for District projects as required by funders or regulatory agencies;

Maintains a current GIS-based inventory of natural and cultural resources on District properties;

Secures grant or partner funding for key real property acquisitions, projects, and programs, prepares necessary reports, and administers project budgets under the direction of the Districts Budget and Finance divisions;

Prepares and administers budgets for and makes recommendations for program development including staff development and training;

Stays informed of new regulations, emerging science, best management practices, and laws pertinent to and affecting the District's management of its lands;

Works with academic institutions to promote scientific studies on District properties to advance the field of applied ecological management;

Participates in a variety of public meetings;