Field Biologist

We are looking for a motivated Field Biologist to join our growing team! This is an exciting time of growth for our company: we’ve increased our headcount by 44% in the last year and we aren’t slowing down.

This is a full-time, salaried position. Location is flexible within the Bay Area, with preference near San Ramon.

In this role, you'll work under minimal supervision to lead and conduct biological fieldwork, oversee deliverables and provide QA/QC, and prepare reports for biological work.

You will be successful in this role if you are an excellent communicator with proven success in working as a self-starter, have a growth mindset, and are enthusiastic about environmental protection and working in a collaborative and positive environment.

The preferred candidate will have at least two years of nesting bird survey experience and botanical survey experience, as well as hold permits to handle state- and federal-listed threatened and endangered species under existing state and/or federal authorizations or a combination of sufficient experience and skills that would result in issuance of state and federal wildlife handling permits and certifications upon application. We are most interested in individuals with permits or extensive experience with some of the following species: California tiger salamander (CTS), California red-legged frog (CRLF), San Francisco garter snake (SFGS), Giant garter snake (GGS), Alameda whipsnake (AWS), and salt marsh harvest mouse (SMHM). Experience with other listed species is a plus.  

Work will be both in the field and in-office. Regular travel, including overnight travel, will be required. Field work will be the primary job duties, with an estimated 80% field work, 20% office work.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Conduct & lead technical nesting bird surveys, botanical surveys, and special status species surveys and monitoring that may require permitted individuals with 10(a)(1)(A) permits, a CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit, and/or a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).


• Independently and collaboratively perform field surveys and monitoring for special-status species, vegetation habitat mapping, and wetland assessments. Field surveys may include walking transects, walking and mapping habitat boundaries, trapping or collecting specimens, visually identifying species/nests/constraints for projects, performing biological monitoring for construction projects, etc.


• Author daily monitoring reports, preconstruction survey reports, site walk reports, and technical reports (e.g., wetland delineation and mitigation and monitoring reports).


• Assist with the interpretation of current local, state, and federal regulations.


• Ensure work is performed within the assigned constraints (i.e., budget and schedule), working with associated project managers and senior biologists.


• Assists with mentorship and guidance for seasonal field technicians.


• Assist the Biology Director, Supervisor, and/or the Program Manager with special projects/initiatives that will improve systems & functions within the department and increase team efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS or equivalent years’ experience in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field


• 2+ years of conducting nesting bird surveys, botanical surveys, and other wildlife surveys


• Strong understanding of Federal ESA, California ESA, CEQA, and NEPA


• Experience conducting and designing surveys for wildlife and their habitats

• Disciplined and detailed approach to survey execution and technical excellence


• Excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as confidence in dealing with clients, regulators, and team members


• Self-starter, solution oriented, and a collaborative team member who can provide guidance to seasonal field technicians


• Excellent writing and technical editing skills, with advanced experience in Microsoft Office applications


• Track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, management, and clients


• Exhibit initiative, responsibility, flexibility, and leadership (ability to train, mentor and lead others, and be open to coaching and feedback)


• Willingness and ability to travel when needed and to work fluctuating and/or long hours as necessary

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or related field


• Permits to handle state- and federal-listed threatened and endangered species under existing state and/or federal authorizations or a combination of sufficient experience and skills that would result in issuance of state and federal wildlife handling permits and certifications upon application. Preferred species include CTS, CRLF, and SMHM (will consider applicants with permits for other species as well).


• Special permits with other amphibians, reptiles, or special status species


• Experience working at other environmental consulting firms and with utilities and federal clients


• Experience performing delineations of wetlands and waters to determine the limits of federal and state jurisdiction


• Demonstrates continuous improvement mindset through workshops, educational units, or classes


• Member of organizations or boards within the environmental sector

WHO WE ARE

Surf To Snow Environmental Resource Management (S2S) is a full-service environmental consulting and construction firm that supports Clients and other strategic partners in all major lines of business, general construction, including electric transmission, gas transmission, power generation, distribution/facilities support, environmental permitting, and site restoration projects. Founded in 2008, we are a California-based, woman-owned small business. With a strong technical background and the ability to be flexible and responsive to our clients’ needs, S2S is uniquely qualified to provide a multitude of services to our clients while helping to meet diverse regulatory requirements. S2S provides planning, permitting, project management, compliance monitoring, stormwater, construction, and site restoration services that result in the successful, timely, on-budget completion of a project while meeting regulatory requirements and preserving the surrounding ecosystem.

At Surf to Snow Environmental, our people come first. We believe that a healthy, supported team is the foundation of exceptional work. That’s why we prioritize work-life balance, provide opportunities for professional growth, and foster a collaborative, respectful work environment where every voice is valued. From flexible scheduling and field safety support to ongoing training and mentorship, we’re committed to creating a workplace where our employees feel empowered, appreciated, and inspired to grow.

Emotional intelligence is woven into the fabric of our culture. We believe that empathy, self-awareness, and respectful communication are essential to building strong teams and successful partnerships. Our leadership actively fosters a workplace grounded in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), where all voices are heard. We are committed to continuous learning and growth—both individually and as a company—to ensure that our actions reflect our values. By cultivating a culture of emotional intelligence and inclusion, we create a more innovative, resilient, and compassionate organization. Because when our team thrives, so does our mission.

Benefits include:

• Great dental, health, and vision insurance


• Employer paid life insurance


• Paid time off


• 11 paid company holidays per year


• 401K contribution matching


• Access to Employee Assistance Program

The pay range for this position is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Actual pay will be based upon a range of factors including, but not limited to, experience, education, level of responsibility, skills, abilities and overall alignment with market data for similar functions.

Interested in S2S but this position isn't quite right for you? Check out our website for more opportunities!

https://s2serm.com/opportunities/