External Job · via Greenhouse

Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist

aksengineeringforestryllcLas Vegas, NV

💰 $62,000 – $85,000/yrFull-time

Quick Summary

Full-time Environmental Scientist role in Las Vegas, NV focused on biological surveys, wildlife monitoring, and environmental compliance for energy and infrastructure projects.

Skills & Keywords

biological surveysdesert tortoiseenvironmental compliancetechnical reporting

What You’ll Do

Conduct and manage field investigations related to wildlife, botanical resources, waters of the United States, wetlands, and other biological and environmental resources.
Serve as a Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist on construction and pre-construction projects, including clearance surveys, translocation, and on-site monitoring in compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requirements.
Perform nesting bird surveys, habitat assessments, and other species-specific biological surveys as project needs arise.
Analyze collected environmental data and compile professional technical reports including data assessment, evaluation, and original written analysis.
Prepare summaries and reports on field investigation and inspection results for clients and regulatory agencies.
Interface with clients, contractors, construction crews, and regulatory agencies professionally and pragmatically — ensuring project objectives are met while complying with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
Prioritize tasks and work autonomously in both office and remote field settings, often independently.

Required Qualifications

You hold a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
You are a previously approved U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist. You can provide documentation of prior project authorizations.
You have a minimum of 2 years of dedicated field experience conducting biological surveys, wildlife monitoring, or environmental compliance work in the desert Southwest.
You are a strong, clear communicator who can work effectively with construction crews, clients, and agency representatives in high-pressure field environments.
You approach environmental work pragmatically — you follow the rules, do the work ethically, and keep projects moving forward.
You are comfortable working independently in remote field conditions for extended periods, including long field days (9–11 hours).
You produce accurate, professional technical reports and written deliverables with minimal oversight.
You are organized, self-directed, and reliable — when a survey needs to happen tomorrow, you're ready.
You hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Nice to Have

BLM-approved botanist status or formal botany training and field experience.
Experience with multiple species surveys beyond desert tortoise (nesting birds, raptors, burrowing owls, sensitive plant species).
Familiarity with NEPA, ESA Section 7 and Section 10, and state-level environmental permitting in Nevada, California, or Utah.
Experience working on energy, transmission, utility, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
Prior consulting experience in a private-sector environmental firm.
Cross-training potential across multiple biological disciplines.
Meaningful Growth Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, we offer hands-on training, mentorship, and clear paths for professional development so you can grow with purpose.
Real Collaboration Join a team that brings diverse perspectives together to solve complex challenges with creativity, curiosity, and a shared commitment to quality.
Respect for Your Time We value work-life balance and offer generous PTO and a supportive environment that helps you manage both personal and professional responsibilities.
Benefits That Care You’ll have access to health coverage that supports your total well-being, plus a 401(k) match, paid holidays, and more resources to help you thrive.
Weekly Team Lunches Take a break and recharge with your teammates, we believe food brings people together.
Culture That Connects We invest in experiences that build strong teams and strong communities.
A Place People Love to Work We’ve been named one of the Top Workplaces year after year.

Why AKS?

At AKS, we believe your work should support your life, not the other way around. Here's what you can count on when you join our team:

Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions, celebrates initiative, and is committed to doing things the right way for our employees, clients, and communities.