Careers

Senior Ecologist/Project Manager

San Jose, CA

Live Oak Associates, Inc. (LOA), an ecological consulting firm serving clients throughout the state of California, is seeking a staff ecologist who would function as a mid to senior level project manager. This position requires technical expertise related to California’s vegetation and wetland resources.  The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for projects involving vegetation assessments, regulated aquatic resources, state and federal environmental permitting, CEQA-related impact analyses, and construction monitoring.  The Senior Ecologist will work out of the San Jose Office, but projects could be located anywhere in California.

Preferred Academic Credentials/Professional Training

• Masters degree or higher in botany, ecology, or related field

• Wetland Delineation Course leading to certification

• Arborist certification (highly desirable)

Essential Skills

• The delineation of jurisdictional waters of the state (i.e., waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide,  natural drainage features and their tributaries, natural lakes and impoundments, wetlands, etc.)

• Surveys conducted for characterizing vegetation alliances and locating special status plant species

• Preparation of applications for state and federal permits for projects impacting jurisdictional waters and sensitive botanical resources

• Development of mitigation plans for project impacts to jurisdictional waters that pass muster with state and federal resource agencies

• Preparation of CEQA documents

Responsibilities

• Delineation of jurisdictional waters

• Conduct floristic surveys

• Preparation of permit applications

• Prepare reports consistent with requirements of CEQA and state and federal resource agencies

• Cultivate relationships with clients, generate work for LOA, prepare proposals for new work

• Oversee projects ensuring that they are completed in a timely manner and meeting the standard of care established by LOA

Compensation

Compensation is dependent on experience. We offer competitive benefits, paid time off, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.

About Live Oak Associates, Inc.

Live Oak Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to and values a diverse workplace. Our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel who are invested in developing science-based solutions for our clients. We employ over 30 biologists ranging from entry-level field technicians to doctoral-level scientists who are considered experts in their area of study. Our work is generally to navigate our clients through regulatory processes that pertain to biological resources. To that end, we conduct biological studies and surveys, prepare natural resources permit applications, assist with habitat management and mitigation planning, provide construction and mitigation monitoring, and perform a variety of other tasks. Our clients – both public and private – value us for our commitment to consistent, high-quality work.

How to Apply

Please submit a 1-2 page cover letter and resume (limited to two pages) to info@loainc.com with the subject line “Senior Ecologist/Project Manager – San Jose, CA”.  This announcement will be open until the position is filled.

Field Biologist (On-call)

San Jose, CA

Live Oak Associates, Inc., an ecological consulting firm serving clients throughout the state of California, is seeking on-call field biologists to join our compliance monitoring team.  Qualified individuals will primarily support projects in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley, but projects could be located anywhere in California.

This job has the potential to transition to a full-time position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct species clearance and pre-construction surveys.

• Monitor activities at construction sites for permit compliance.

• Deliver onsite species education and environmental awareness training to construction personnel.

• Maintain daily written construction monitoring logs.

• Occasional manual labor (e.g., digging).

• Communicate effectively with construction personnel and LOA’s project managers.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife science, botany, environmental science, or related field OR relevant experience.

• Previous experience performing field surveys and construction monitoring, including surveying for and identifying wildlife and plant species.

• Experience identifying special-status species, including burrowing owl, California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Alameda whipsnake, and Swainson’s hawk.

• Ability to effectively communicate with construction crews and other onsite personnel.

• Ability to work extended or irregular hours (early morning to evening) outdoors over consecutive days.

• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.

• Ability to follow directions, including field and safety protocols.

• Ability to work on short notice and to adapt to project and schedule changes.

• Willingness to travel to project sites throughout California and stay overnight at a hotel.

• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle capable of driving on unpaved surfaces.

Compensation

Compensation is dependent on experience.

About Live Oak Associates, Inc.

Live Oak Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to and values a diverse workplace. Our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel who are invested in developing science-based solutions for our clients. We employ over 30 biologists ranging from entry-level field technicians to doctoral-level scientists who are considered experts in their area of study. Our work is generally to navigate our clients through regulatory processes that pertain to biological resources. To that end, we conduct biological studies and surveys, prepare natural resources permit applications, assist with habitat management and mitigation planning, provide construction and mitigation monitoring, and perform a variety of other tasks. Our clients – both public and private – value us for our commitment to consistent, high-quality work.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to LOA’s principal, Rick Hopkins, at rhopkins@loainc.com with the subject line “Field Biologist (On-call) – San Jose, CA.”