Tetra Tech

Mock Job Description

Entry-level Biologist

Santa Barbara, California

Tetra Tech is an industry-leading and nationally recognized engineering and consulting firm with over 25,000 staff and 500 offices worldwide. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to Lead with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. We have an immediate opening for an entry-level biologist in our Santa Barbara location.

Job Overview

Tetra Tech is seeking a highly motivated entry-level biologist to join our team and support field surveys and subsequent reporting in our Santa Barbara office. We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist who is prepared to learn and grow their experience with biological resources and technical writing.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this position include: 

·      Supporting biological/natural resource surveys throughout California or other locations as assigned;

·      Working on several projects at one time in different phases of the project life and prioritizing work across all projects to maintain the schedule and ensure excellent quality;

·      Supporting writing and review of technical reports;

·      Potentially completing work/surveys outside of biological sciences as needed (e.g., water sampling, stormwater monitoring, etc.); and

·      Logistics support for large field mobilizations, including planning travel arrangements, equipment inventory and maintenance, etc.

Qualifications and Experience

·      Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental, or a related field.

·      Minimum of 1 year of professional experience as a field biologist or related role, ideally with a focus on ornithology, aquatic resources (wetlands and stream delineations), botany (rare plants, noxious weeds, vegetation identification, and/or vegetation mapping), or wildlife. Relevant field experience from participation in an applicable B.S. program may be counted towards this requirement.

·      Detail-oriented with excellent critical thinking and troubleshooting/problem solving skills.

·      Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with team members.

·      Ability to work independently and in a collaborative work environment along with a willingness to learn and be adaptable.

·      Ability to analyze available data and draw valid, defensible conclusions.

·      Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with ESRI GIS software and applications (FieldMaps, Survey123) for mapping and data visualization.

·      Schedule must have flexibility to travel (by land and/or air), at times on short notice. Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing and pass a motor vehicle background check in accordance with company policy.

·      Ability to conduct fieldwork safely in accordance with Tetra Tech’s health and safety policies and the project-specific health and safety plan.

·      Ability to hike up to 5-10 miles per day through challenging terrain. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·      A combination of office and fieldwork settings, with the majority of fieldwork conducted outdoors in various weather conditions.

·      Occasional travel to project sites, while may include remote locations requiring overnight stays.

·      Exposure to natural environments, including wetlands, streams, and construction sites, necessitating adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Life at Tetra Tech

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

·       Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.

·       Merit-based financial rewards.

·       Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.

·       Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.

·       Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

About Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 25,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.