URS is seeking a full time Senior Botanist/Wetland Ecologist to add to our existing biology practice of over 35 biologists in the Oakland office. The ideal candidate has botanical and wetland field experience in California and would complement our talented staff, expand our capabilities, and work within our successful interdisciplinary wetland, wildlife, botanical and restoration teams. We are seeking a dynamic individual, capable of conducting and leading field surveys and provides technical knowledge; someone who works well with junior staff and is comfortable leading small or large groups of staff; and someone that can deliver high quality technical documentation. This position requires excellent verbal communication and writing skills and the desire to assist URS in the continued growth of the biology practice. A successful candidate will utilize these skills to provide technical guidance, conduct floristic surveys, map vegetation communities, prepare vegetation sections for plans and specifications for restoration projects, conduct compliance monitoring, prepare technical reports, and interact with a variety of staff level biologists, senior project managers, and clients and regulatory agencies. To Apply: https://www.urs.apply2jobs.com/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.showJob&RID=71282&CurrentPage=153&sid=364 REQUIREMENTS FOR P3 Wetland Scientist/Botanist:A minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in botany or a closely related field. A minimum of four (4) years’ relevant professional work experience (as a consulting botanist and wetland ecologist, or field biologist for government agencies, ornot-for-profit organization, etc.). A master’s degree may substitute for 1-2 years’ experience, and a Ph.D. degree may substitute for up to three years’experience, at URS’ discretion. Work experience should include substantial experience in the California Floristic Province, with a focus on flora and wetland ecology of the Bay Area,Central Valley, and Sierra Nevada’s. Experience organizing, leading and conducting floristic surveys, wetland delineations, vegetation mapping, wetland condition assessments and tree surveys.Knowledge of special-status plant and non-native invasive plant ecology, wetland condition assessment, enhancement/restoration design and management.Demonstrated proficiency with using dichotomous keys (e.g. the Jepson Manual) and working knowledge of accepted vegetation mapping methods (e.g. the Manual of California Vegetation 2).Familiarity with USFWS, CDFG, and CDFG/CNPS plant survey protocols, and a working knowledge of environmental laws including NEPA, CEQA, ESA Section 7 or10, and CESA as they relate to botanical resources. Familiarity with or proficiency in wetland delineation and Section 404 environmental permittingExperience in forestry and land management practices, vegetation management, engineering plans and specifications (vegetation related sections), prescribedburns or as an arborist.Familiarity with ArcGIS software and its capabilities and use of Global Positioning Systems.Competence with Microsoft Office software including Word and Excel. An established proficiency with processing and interpreting data for evaluating biological impacts, identification of appropriate avoidance, minimization and mitigation strategies.Applicant should have demonstrated strong writing skills, including experience as a lead, authored or co-authored a variety of reports, including but not limited to: wetland delineation report, 404 permit applications, botanical survey reports, environmental assessments, environmental impact reports and statements, biological assessments, mitigation plans, and/or monitoring reports.Ability to work as part of a team work, possesses strong communication skills both verbally and in writing, and has the ability and desire to interact with clients and agency representatives.The applicant should be able to manage a number of tasks and responsibilities, including:Organizing, scoping, budgeting, and conducting field efforts, technical tasks; and potentially managing small to medium sized projects.Preparing high quality CEQA/NEPA-related document sections, biological assessments, mitigation and restoration plans and other technical reports for local and regional projects.Supervising protocol-level floristic surveys; wetland delineations and condition assessments, vegetation mapping; sensitive-species monitoring; and restoration efforts.Processing data collection and analysis, with the use of Microsoft Office and Geographic information System (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) equipment and softwareProviding senior technical guidance while working on complex and challenging assignments.Assisting on wetland and stream delineations; and wildlife habitat mapping and evaluation, mitigation design and compliance reporting.Flexibility to serve as a cross-disciplinary resource to best serve the needs of the URS Corporation.
