Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Fish Biologist (Biologist II) to support some of California's most exciting and important projects. This position will join our AECOM team based in Oakland, CA and will support a variety of projects and clients in northern California, with a focus on work related to fish and aquatic biology.

AECOM staff in the Oakland office generally work in a hybrid environment, from home, the office, or the field as needed to complete project assignments. This position will regularly support fish monitoring in the San Francisco Bay Area and requires local presence for regular field work.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Fish surveys, including salmonid redd surveys, fyke and rotary screw trap monitoring, snorkel surveys, and electrofishing surveys
• California freshwater shrimp surveys
• Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling
• Amphibian surveys
• Stream habitat mapping
• Water quality sampling
• Data collection, entry, and analysis
• Occasional travel in central and northern California may be required.

In addition to regular fish monitoring in the San Francisco Bay Area, this position offers the opportunity to engage with a large technical team across different project types. Opportunities for professional growth through experience with various project types and clients may be tailored over time to reflect staff interests, in balance with the team’s immediate needs.

Additional work or opportunities for skills development may include:

• Surveys for special-status wildlife and nesting birds.
• Preparation of technical reports to document survey and monitoring findings.
• Preparation of USFWS and NMFS Biological Assessments and CDFW Incidental Take Permit applications.
• Preparation of permit applications such as CDFW 1600, USACE 404, RWQCB 401.
• Monitoring of construction activities for compliance with environmental requirements and/or permits.

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it. We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.

AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related field
• 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education conducting fish surveys, amphibian surveys, and/or aquatic habitat monitoring within California.
• Valid U.S. Driver License and ability to safely drive to job sites is required for this role.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology, ecology, or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant work experience conducting fish surveys, amphibian surveys, and/or aquatic habitat monitoring
• Demonstrated proficiency in technical writing.
• Knowledgeable about common and special-status California fish species.
• Ability to professionally interact with clients and resource agency representatives.
• Familiarity with major environmental regulations and permitting.
• Handling experience with California freshwater shrimp.
• Handling permit(s) for foothill yellow-legged frog.
• Experience with native and special-status upland and amphibious wildlife in California.
• Nesting bird survey experience.
• Ability and desire to perform extensive fieldwork in potentially difficult terrain.
• Has a positive attitude and is adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.

Additional Information

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.