Associate Permitting Specialist/Biologist

Brief Description Associate Permitting Specialist/Biologist Location: Flexible (Hybrid or 100% Remote, California Preferred) Compensation: $85,000 - $105,000 annually (negotiable based on experience) The position of Associate Planner/Permitting Specialist is geared toward an individual with experience supporting environmental compliance requirements of projects in the western U.S., specifically relating to the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and California-specific natural resource laws and regulations. The primary objective of this mid-level position is to support Ironwood/Spheros Environmental project managers in carrying out complex permitting tasks on larger projects and independently carry out permitting/planning tasks with limited oversight on smaller projects. The Associate Planner/Permitting Specialist provides technical writing skills, natural resource knowledge, and helps the project resource specialists and project managers prepare deliverables, carry out environmental resource impact studies, and some data collection. This is a full-time position and is primarily office based (90 percent) with an expectation that occasional fieldwork and/or site visits will be required to understand project natural resource concerns and compliance requirements. This position will support multiple projects and include multiple responsibilities including technical writing, interpretation of scientific information and environmental regulations, and some staffing coordination. The individual would work directly with project managers with the goal of expanding project management skills. Key Responsibilities • Provides technical resource knowledge within one or more resource specialty areas (e.g. botany, environmental permitting, fisheries, wildlife, wetlands, etc.) and working to expand technical competencies beyond a single resource area • Works with project manager to identify biological resource data collection requirements based on project location and applicable regulations • Coordinates with GIS staff about what GIS deliverables are needed for specific projects • Supports project staffing and field logistics as needed • Independently drafts language for planning documents under NEPA/CEQA • Independently prepares sections of permit applications • Independently, with support/guidance of senior permitting specialist/project manager and technical resource staff, leads preparation of technical reports • Participate in occasional field visits and surveys including assisting with special status species protocol surveys, reconnaissance surveys, habitat assessments, wetland and waters delineation and other resource-specific surveys as qualifications permit Qualifications • Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in the field of Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field. • 3-10 years of experience and knowledge with environmental permitting, technical writing, and supporting biological resource studies • Proficiency in using Microsoft 365 programs including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook • Strong technical writing skills and effective communication skills • Knowledge of field technology tools, including familiarity with using a handheld GPS unit (e.g. Garmin or similar) and ESRI FieldMaps and Survey123 • Familiarity with state regulations in California, Nevada, and/or Colorado and with federal environmental regulations including, but not limited to, FESA, CESA, CEQA, CWA, and NEPA Associate Planner/Permitting Specialist – Job Description • Relevant experience with environmental permitting and natural resources studies for conservation/restoration, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects • Experience with projects involving federal resource management agencies, including Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and/or U.S. Forest Service • Current USFWS permits or ability to be permitted for T&E species protocol surveys • NEPA/CEQA knowledge and experience • Familiarity with the Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act consultation process • Familiarity with Section 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act compliance requirements Other Preferred Skills And Abilities • Detail-oriented, self-motivated, proactive • Committed to completing tasks effectively • Organized and ability to manage multiple priorities • Ability to identify western U.S. common plant and wildlife species • Prior experience contributing to NEPA and CEQA documents and/or preparing environmental permit applications specific to California • Experience with EndNote or other word processing tools • Experience with and knowledge of permitting and compliance requirements for large-scale renewable energy projects is a plus Why Spheros Environmental? • Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Salary range of $85,000 - $105,000, with opportunities for bonuses and 401(k) contributions. • Professional Growth: Ongoing training, conference opportunities, and pathways to leadership and ownership roles. • Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work options and flexible remote work opportunities in approved states. • Global Impact: Potential for national and international travel for project oversight and client engagement. • Inclusive Culture: We are an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and supportive work environment. • Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas. 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