Job Description

AECOM's Natural Resources team is seeking a Mid-level Vegetation Ecologist/Botanist to join our Environmental Planning and Permitting group. In this role, you will be part of a collaborative Sacramento-based team of more than 20 environmental professionals, while also benefiting from the support and expertise of more than 150 environmental professionals across California. This role will support some of the Sacramento region’s and California's most exciting projects.

This position offers a hybrid schedule and the opportunity to contribute to CEQA compliance through environmental planning, permitting, technical writing and analysis, or leading field studies for a variety of existing projects located in the Sacramento region. Our work spans a diverse range of clients and project types, including water and energy infrastructure, flood control, general and specific plans, and parks or recreation facilities.

We are looking for a motived individual with demonstrated experience in performing many of the responsibilities described below. Additionally, Candidates must be based on the Sacramento region, as primary responsibilities may be focused on local clients. However, this role will provide opportunities to support projects across California, collaborating with our larger statewide team to demonstrate environmental stewardship in our support of a wide variety of projects. Our Environmental Planning and Permitting Group is dynamic, energetic, and where diligent work is rewarded.

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

• Preparation of technical reports documenting survey or monitoring results.
• Preparation of permit applications.
• Preparation of environmental planning documents (CEQA/NEPA).
• Leading surveys for special-status plants and vegetation mapping.
• Leading field delineations of wetlands and waters to determine the limits of federal and state jurisdiction.
• Use of technical expertise to assess the potential for sensitive environmental resources and provide strategies and recommendations on avoidance and minimization of impacts.
• Ensuring compliance of construction activities with environmental requirements and/or permits.
• Maintaining current knowledge of regulations regarding special-status species and/or wetlands.
• Participation as an active and positive member of AECOM’s Environmental Planning & Permitting group in the Sacramento office.
• Occasional travel in Central and Northern California.

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 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, or a related field.
• 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in environmental consulting, environmental analysis, habitat assessments, botanical surveys, wetland delineation, and environmental compliance and technical report writing.
• Valid U.S. Driver License required (and must be able to safely drive to job sites).
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6 years of relevant biological experience.
• Working knowledge of northern California flora, including wetland and special-status plant species, and the ability to identify plants using a dichotomous key (i.e., Jepson eFlora).
• Experience preparing botanical or aquatic resource sections of CEQA/NEPA documents, technical reports, or state and federal permit applications in accordance with agency protocol.
• Experience with resource-specific survey methods and data collection, including use of standardized fields and datasheets.
• Experience using field data collection tools such as ArcGIS Collector, external GPS receivers, and Trimble units.
• Independent report-writing and field surveying capabilities.
• Experience leading field efforts that support the preparation of permit applications and technical reports.
• Experience conducting jurisdictional delineations in accordance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) protocols.
• Experience leading monitoring or conducting monitoring during construction.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities with a positive attitude and in a fast-paced work environment.
• Skilled at organization and detail-oriented in managing schedules, budgets, and written deliverables.
• Ability to communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues, clients, and agency representatives, both verbally and in writing.

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 2024. 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.