First Ascent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOU?

You are the type of person who enjoys using your biological training and analytical skills to solve challenging environmental problems. You are highly motivated to work as part of a team to guide a project through the regulatory compliance process, meet client objectives, and protect sensitive biological resources. You believe strongly in the value of preparing well-thought-out, concise, and clearly written reports so that land use planners, environmental regulators, and other decision-makers have technically accurate, objective, and reliable information to support their decisions. 

Ascent is seeking a full-time Biologist to join our natural resources practice in our Berkeley office. In a typical week as an Ascent biologist, you might: 

• Conduct a reconnaissance-level survey of existing biological conditions for an infrastructure project to identify sensitive habitats or habitats that support threatened or endangered species
• Prepare a land cover map of a project site and assess potential wildlife habitat
• Author a biological resource section of a CEQA or NEPA document, evaluating potential environmental impacts and developing mitigation measures
• Travel to a project site to monitor compliance with environmental protection measures
• Participate in a kick-off meeting with other environmental professionals for a complex and challenging project that may affect multiple environmental resource areas
• Prepare a notification according to agency standards to obtain a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement or Clean Water Act Nationwide Permit
• Discuss with a project manager how a proposed project activity may affect a sensitive species or wetlands, providing an objective analysis of potential impacts and identifying ways the impacts could be avoided or minimized
• Conduct a survey for nesting birds on a project site and establish buffers to protect the active nest during construction
• Work within an agreed timeframe and budget to identify biological constraints to a project
• Contribute to project success by providing excellent service and high-quality technical information to clients 
• Participate in an in-house training session about a current natural resource science topic, best practices, or regulatory change

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. 

Requirements

• BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, or a related field
• Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience
• Excellent analytical and writing abilities
• Experience preparing reports that concisely describe biological conditions, clearly articulating analytical thinking and technical conclusions supported by evidence
• Extensive knowledge of California habitats and wildlife species
• Experience working on complex projects located throughout California and Nevada, including the Sierra Nevada, foothills, Central Valley, and coastal California
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork and be away for several days at a time

Work environment 

• Typical office environment in Berkeley 
• Hybrid work is possible, but regular attendance in the office is expected 
• Must be located within a reasonable distance (e.g., less than 1 hour commute time) of the office to facilitate site visits

Physical Demands 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at a time.

Travel  

• Traveling over multiple days for fieldwork is required

Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship
 

Additional eligibility requirements: N/A  

At Ascent, we believe in fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes our people. We are committed to holistic investments in our team, offering not only competitive salaries and comprehensive medical benefits but also a range of perks designed to enhance emotional, financial, and physical wellness. A comprehensive listing of benefits offered can be found here.

As a people-first organization, we value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions. 

Interested in learning more about Ascent's culture? Reach out to our People Resources team at PeopleResources@ascent.inc. We look forward to hearing from you!
 

EEO Statement

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact PeopleResources@ascent.inc. 

Ascent strives for equity in every area at Ascent, including compensation. To ensure candidates are paid fairly, the offered salary will fall within this range and will be determined based on the candidate's demonstrated qualifications and alignment with the requirements of the position outlined above.