Field Biologist Intern

Biological Consulting Internship

ELMT Consulting, Inc. is seeking applicants for a paid internship position who are passionate about the environment and interested in balancing the needs of industry with the protection of our natural resources. We work with landowners, developers, private and governmental agencies, and a host of other stakeholders such as engineering and architectural firms, attorneys, and other environmental consulting firms.

Benefits . . .

• $18.00/hour
• Real biological consulting experience
• Potential hire for full-time position upon internship completion

Requirements:

Currently pursuing B.S. in Biological Sciences; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology concentration preferred

• Completion of at least ONE of the following: Field Botany (BIOL 340), Plant Taxonomy (BIOL 441), Mammalogy (BIOL 478), or Ornithology (BIOL 479), or Equivalent.
• Student must be available for a minimum of 10 hours per week
• Must be available for ONE consecutive 5-hour period in the MORNING for field surveys, between Monday and Thursday, carpooling included in survey time
• Direct instruction occurs no later than 530pm, independent work may occur at convenience
• Capable of traversing physically demanding terrains and environments
• Access to computer, internet, and cell phone with a data plan
• Suitable field apparel (footwear, clothing, etc.); solid hiking boots are mandatory for some surveys.
• Reliable transportation to a regular meeting place.

What you will learn . . .

• Conduct a variety of field investigations including biological resource analysis, regional conservation plan consistency analysis, due diligence/constraints analysis, focused species surveys, pre-construction clearance surveys, jurisdictional delineation surveys, and restoration/mitigation plans
• Research existing data sources to anticipate baseline conditions of project sites prior to field investigations
• Document existing conditions within a site, summarize findings, and provide necessary recommendations
• Identify and catalog local plant and wildlife species
• Map and classify vegetation communities present in a given area
• Determine the potential occurrence of protected species based on biotic and abiotic factors
• Conduct biological monitoring for construction and restoration projects
• Successfully navigate online resources to draft reports without assistance, including necessary formats and templates
• Successfully identify common plant and wildlife species in the field
• Maintain a digital collection of survey notes and photographs, including species and plant communities observed
• Accurately determine potential for special-status species to occur in a given area based on available resources
• Demonstrate an understanding for what projects will require given details such as industry, agency involvement, and region.

What you will need . . .

• Passion for the environment and outdoors
• Ability to balance the demands of fieldwork and the discipline to complete reports of your findings and subsequent recommendations.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently

Where you will work . . .

• ELMT supports a virtual work environment supplemented by in-field surveys
• Mentoring will occur via Microsoft Teams and on project site locations
• Projects are located throughout southern California, but primarily occur in the Inland Empire and desert areas.

Training . . .

• At least twice weekly remote instruction regarding literature review and report curation; templates and examples provided
• Regular field outings with staff biologists; Weekly remote meeting with staff biologist to identify strengths and develop opportunities
• Photographic database of commonly encountered plant and wildlife species to be provided
• Coach to understand how available biological resources establish and maintain plant communities
• Coach to understand how available biological resources contribute to potential occurrence of special-status species

Learning Outcomes . . .

• Conduct literature reviews for Biological Resources Assessments and Formal Delineation of State and Federal Jurisdictional Waters Surveys using relevant databases
• Identify local wildlife and plant species, ascertain plant community structures, determine potential of occurrence for special-status species
• Conduct clearance surveys for nesting birds and special-status species such as burrowing owl, desert tortoise, and western Joshua tree
• Perform jurisdictional delineation surveys to determine potential impacts to covered waterways
• Curate reports pertaining to aforementioned duties, including agency- and county-specific templates and formatting