HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX), a growing, employee-owned California-based environmental consulting and planning firm, is seeking a motivated Biologist (Restoration Specialist) with critical thinking skills and a strong work ethic to join Pasadena office team. HELIX is a full-service environmental consulting firm which offers a full suite of services including dedicated focus on biological, habitat restoration, regulatory permitting and environmental compliance monitoring. We work on a range of interesting projects in both the public and private sectors, spanning habitats from coastal to mountain and into the deserts. In addition to supporting habitat restoration projects from a planning and biological monitoring perspective, the HELIX team includes restoration practitioners who physically implement restoration projects in the field. This ability makes HELIX one of the few firms that can truly design and build restoration projects in house, from growing the plants to monitoring the success, all under one roof. If you ever wanted to be part of the entire restoration process, HELIX is an excellent place to do it.
Our Pasadena location offers a unique opportunity for growth. While HELIX has a robust biological and restoration presence throughout southern California, our Pasadena office is one of our newest and we are looking to add to our team to continue HELIX's growth throughout Los Angeles, and in restoration projects. This position is a great opportunity for someone excited about being part of a growing office and ready to team up with us to make our Los Angeles area restoration discipline a success.
Why work at HELIX?
Employee-owned since 2004
Offers a hybrid work schedule with flexibility of working in-office and remotely
Invested in professional growth and employee development and training
Recognized for our workplace practices, employee wellness programs, and community contributions
Named as one of the top two environmental firms nationwide in the 2023 Best Firms to Work For by Zweig Group
HELIX also offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
Robust Health Coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employee and dependents
Life/Long Term Disability Insurance
Accrual of Paid Personal Time Off
Bonus Program
Wellness Program
Employee Stock Ownership Plan participation
401K participation with employer contributions
Candidates-please provide a cover letter
Biologist (Restoration Specialist) responsibilities include supporting the HELIX biology and habitat restoration teams with habitat restoration project work, including:
Design or assist with designing habitat restoration projects to meet project goals and success criteria.
Design and implement site exploration programs to evaluate the potential for successful restoration efforts.
Work with Field Restoration Crews to implement restoration designs and lead adaptive management efforts as projects evolve through the restoration process.
Develop habitat restoration plans in conjunction with regulatory permitting staff that meet project permit goals.
Assist with project design and descriptions to support restoration grant application efforts.
Conduct or lead biology surveys, including biological reconnaissance, vegetation mapping, special-status plant surveys, jurisdictional delineations, focused species surveys and/or pre-construction clearance surveys.
Conduct or lead biological monitoring for construction/restoration projects.
Assist project managers with preparation and processing of wetland permit applications and supporting materials.
Participate in business development by keeping resume current, doing a great job on projects, and looking for possible leads for new work.
Prepare or assist project managers with proposals and augments for private and public projects, as well as preparation for (or attendance at) project interviews.
Includes occasional overnight travel.
The ideal candidate must possess strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills because critical aspects of this position include developing solutions for project challenges, as well as forging strong, collaborative relationships and building consensus among team members, staff, clients, and agencies. A positive attitude, flexible mindset and adaptability to changing circumstances is imperative.
Hourly wages will be based on qualifications and/or experience, with a robust benefits package. Expected starting pay range of $35/hour to $54/hour.
HELIX is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.
Minimum Requirements for Biologist (Restoration Specialist):
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in an environmental science, including botany, biology or other related field (degree in biochemistry or microbiology not acceptable)
five years of experience (outside of academic requirements) as a professional biologist or restoration ecologist conducting duties related to the job requirements, including at least 2 years of work experience in southern California
Experience with field data collection methods and equipment
Possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
Ability to hike long distances over varying terrain under varying weather conditions
Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record over the last 3 years
Ability for occasional overnight travel
Additional skills considered a plus for Biologist (Restoration Specialist):
Experience working for an environmental consulting firm
Permits to conduct focused surveys for southern California special-status flora and fauna
Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture
Society for Ecological Restoration CERP or CERPIT
Basic Wetland Delineation Certificate
Society of Wetland Scientists Wetland Certification
Experience facilitating coordination and/or acting as liaison with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and/or California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Experience with hands-on habitat restoration, including plant propagation or equipment operation
Experience with the proper use of herbicide
Experience with ArcGIS for field data collection
Experience leading field survey efforts and monitoring efforts
Experience with environmental compliance monitoring during construction
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.