Jacobs Desert Tortoise Biologist

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Buildings & Infrastructure Line of Business is a global network of employees, which serves both the private and public sector. Our employees work to shape the communities we live in by creating world-class projects that transform the future development patterns of those communities. We provide our clients award-winning planning, engineering, architectural and interior design, construction and program management, and design-build project delivery. The Jacobs business model allows us to successfully service our clients, leverage our integrated services, and provide our employees with growth opportunities while delivering global solutions to our client’s local programs.

We consistently receive high rankings from Engineering News-Record (ENR) in many classifications, including the categories of Top Design Firms, Top Contractors, Top Green Buildings Design Firms, and Top Transportation Companies.

The rapidly expanding Environmental Science practice is looking for a junior level, part-time biologist. The position is based out of Jacobs’ Las Vegas office. Staff must reside in the Las Vegas area and must be capable of meeting project-specific workload demands.

Responsibilities:

Monitoring construction activities to protect desert tortoises, weekly checks of tortoise exclusion fencing, handling and relocation of tortoises as needed, providing worker environmental awareness training, as well as other tasks as assigned.
Must be familiar with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) desert tortoise field manual, tortoise survey techniques, handling protocols, and burrow excavation.
Daily log of compliance issues and field notes are to be recorded.
Candidates must be able and willing to work outdoors for extended periods under all weather conditions.
Must demonstrate ability to interact with construction personnel, follow all workplace safety protocols, and to work independently or with limited supervision.
Work schedule will be heaviest at start of project and through November with potential to extend for one year.

Essential Functions: Intermittent sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, and lifting. Lifting requirements limited to 20 lbs. in the form of supplies, drawings, etc. Longest distance carried of 50 feet. Hand manipulation is required for simple grasping, pushing and pulling, and fine manipulation. Right and/or left hands utilized. Occasional need to reach and/or work above the shoulder, for supplies, as well as below the shoulder for same. No foot controls necessary. Must be alert to equipment in the field, there will be occasional travel, will work near construction job site equipment when in the field, occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery, occasional need to walk on uneven ground, exposure to dust, gas or fumes, exposure to noise, extremes in temperature or humidity, and potential work at heights.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Hold or have the ability to obtain an Authorized Tortoise Biologist permit from USFWS
Familiarity with desert tortoise handling protocols
Ability/willingness to travel
Ability to start immediately
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Organizational and time management skills to effectively complete assigned workload within defined timelines and in accordance with established standards

Desired Qualifications:

B.S. Degree or higher in Biology
Experience working around construction crews and working safely around heavy machinery
Comfortable working independently
At least 2 years of field experience in project monitoring
At least 2 years of field experience conducting surveys for desert tortoise

At Jacobs, we help prepare people for new opportunities and challenges. With positions at every level, openings in multiple disciplines, expertise in a range of markets and offices around the globe, we create an environment where you can learn, grow, and thrive. From our competitive benefits program to our Health and Safety initiative of Beyond Zero workplace injuries, we believe that you’ll find a flourishing career here at Jacobs.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Jacobs is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

Primary Location

: United States-Arizona-Phoenix

Travel

: Yes, 25 % of the Time