Wildlife Ecologists, Staff and Managerial-Levels (Full-time)

H. T. Harvey & Associates, an ecological consulting firm with four offices in Northern California and one in Hawaii, is growing its San Francisco Bay Area wildlife team. They are looking for staff-level and senior (project manager-level) wildlife ecologists with strong expertise in wildlife species and habitats of the San Francisco Bay area. The anticipated pay range for these positions is $83,500—$117,000 annually, with a generous benefits and bonus package.

What it’s like to work with us

H. T. Harvey & Associates has a reputation for deep scientific expertise and high-caliber work in pursuit of our mission to create ecologically sound solutions to our clients’ complex natural resource challenges. The new wildlife ecologists will become part of the firm’s 25-person wildlife ecology team which includes specialized experts in ornithology, herpetology, and mammalogy. Our San Francisco Bay Area team leaders have been working with clients in the Bay Area for more than five decades and have unparalleled expertise with the region’s species, habitats, regulatory environment, and habitat plans. Our wildlife ecologists work collaboratively within the team and with experts in plant and wetland ecology, restoration ecology, aquatic ecology, landscape architecture, and Geographic Information Systems. Project work is primarily throughout the Bay Area and central California coast, but occasionally will involve work in other parts of Northern California. 

Our staff-level ecologists spend time both in the field and in the office (whether physically in the office or working remotely). When in the field you may conduct surveys and monitoring for special-status wildlife and plant species, complete habitat assessments, and assist with research and data collection. When not doing field work, you’ll contribute to biological resource reports, support processes to obtain regulatory permits, and build your consulting skills and experience by collaborating with senior staff. 

As a project manager, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your expertise as the lead biologist on projects, helping to develop solutions to environmental challenges in the greater San Francisco Bay area. The work will require local species expertise, a strong background in regulatory issues, and solid technical writing skills. Successful project managers possess a high level of personal organization and apply critical thinking to develop a project-specific approach. A number of our clients seek our expertise with the goal of going above and beyond project requirements, giving us the opportunity to contribute to projects that benefit the environment. In addition, you will have the opportunity to collaborate on projects involving other H. T. Harvey & Associates ecologists (restoration, botany, and wildlife) as well as landscape architects, and you will help manage and mentor our fun and capable team of wildlife staff. Externally, you will also be a liaison with clients, project team members, and agency contacts and work on proposals and business development efforts.  

What are some of the types of projects the Los Gatos wildlife team works on?

• NEPA/CEQA documentation for local, state, and federal agency projects; development projects located in sensitive areas; and projects with unique or challenging issues (e.g., related to wetlands, riparian setbacks, bird-safe design, and endangered or sensitive wildlife species)
• Federal and California Endangered Species Act consultations
• Compliance support, including providing recommendations to minimize constraints on project activities; conducting pre-activity surveys; supporting compliance with avoidance and minimization measures from project permits (including surveys, environmental training sessions, construction monitoring, etc.); and drafting compliance documentation
• Assessment of biological constraints to proposed projects, including potential mitigation measures that may be necessary under CEQA/NEPA or conditions of anticipated permits or Endangered Species Act approvals
• Mitigation and monitoring plans - work closely with our restoration ecologists to develop wildlife management and monitoring methods, success criteria, and avoidance and minimization measures
• Natural resource management plans – incorporate wildlife issues into plans that describe the long-term management and monitoring of conservation lands

Competencies, skills, and experience

Those who want to join our wildlife team should have a M.S. or Ph.D. focusing on local wildlife species and habitats, or equivalent extensive experience such that they are considered a local expert in their field. We aim to hire team members who strive for excellence in their everyday work and who are interested in continually improving their scientific knowledge and collaborating with experts in other fields. Candidates should also have a curiosity about the natural world that includes ongoing learning about local wildlife ecology and their field of expertise.

In addition to having strong ecological expertise, candidates applying for a staff-level position should have:

• 2–6 years of applicable professional experience (in addition to their graduate degree)
• Prior experience authoring and editing technical reports, with demonstrated exceptional writing ability (e.g., via transcripts, personal references, or a submitted writing sample)
• Ideal candidates would also have experience with a variety of special-status wildlife species and their habitats in the greater San Francisco Bay Area

Candidates applying for a management-level position should have: 

• At least 4–8 years of applicable professional experience (in addition to their graduate degree), including at least 1 year of management experience
• Prior experience authoring and editing technical reports, with demonstrated exceptional writing ability (e.g., via transcripts, personal references, or a submitted writing sample).
• Mastery of key project management skills including personal organization, ability to coordinate multiple projects, critical thinking skills, and team communications
• Ideal candidates would also have experience with CEQA/NEPA documentation and FESA and CESA consultations

Compensation

The anticipated pay range for a staff-level position is $83,500—$88,500 annually, and the anticipated pay range for a management-level position is $91,500—$115,000 annually, with a generous benefit package and bonus plan. Actual salary will depend on a range of factors including, but not limited to, relevant length and type of work experience, education, permits held, skill set, and competencies. More details on our employment package are included below. 

A few other nitty gritty details

This position requires the future employee to:

• Follow best practices for field safety
• Hold a valid driver’s license with no major traffic violations or multiple minor violations
• Work nights, occasional weekends, and early morning hours when needed
• Occasionally work in inclement weather when needed
• Walk over varied terrain for surveys and work in inclement weather

How to apply

To start the application process, please submit your resume and a cover letter through our applicant portal. In your cover letter please, tell us whether you are applying for a staff-level or manager-level position, why you’re a strong candidate, and any other information you’d like to us to know that isn’t obvious from your resume. 

If your resume and cover letter demonstrate you as a good fit for the position, we will ask you for references, academic transcripts, and potentially a work sample. You can submit these now, but if you don’t have them handy they can be submitted later. 

Please combine your cover letter and resume into one file and apply here. 

Employment Package, Benefits, and Work Culture

We strive to support employees' career goals and their health and wellness. Our employment package includes a competitive salary, a generous benefits package, and a bonus program.

Health insurance

H. T. Harvey & Associates has always placed a strong emphasis on health and wellness. At the center of these offerings is our top-notch medical coverage (Cigna PPO and Kaiser Permanente HMO plans) along with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA) options. For full-time employees who opt in to one of our plans, we cover 100% of the premiums for that employee. Additional options include 50% premium coverage for spouses, domestic partners, and children. The package also includes dental and vision coverage at no cost to the employee. Pro-rated plan options are available for those who work at least 50% time. 

Retirement benefits

We offer a 401(k) plan with a 33% employer match. The plan offers nearly 50 fund choices including a notable number of socially responsible investment fund options. 
 
Time off

Employees accrue paid vacation, personal days, and sick leave time. Additionally, full-time employees receive 5 personal days and 10 company holidays annually, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for voluntary participation in a National Day of Service.

Professional development

In addition to having a core value of ongoing development of scientific and professional expertise, we support participation in external training and certification programs, attendance at conferences and workshops, and membership in and engagement with scientific and professional associations. We also offer presentation, poster, and publication bonuses. 

Flexible work arrangements
We offer flexible schedule options during the work week, with employees working from both company and home offices. Our goal is to facilitate collaboration and accommodate business needs while providing flexibility to employees. 

About H. T. Harvey & Associates 

H. T. Harvey & Associates is an ecological consulting firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with four offices in California and one in Hawaii. The Los Gatos headquarters office is proudly certified as a Santa Clara County Green Business. Our core areas of expertise are wildlife ecology, plant ecology, aquatic ecology, restoration ecology, and landscape architecture. We hire people who strive to be the best in their fields and provide training, support, and work opportunities to grow their expertise. We have been cultivating excellence in our staff and work in pursuit of our mission to create ecologically sound solutions to our clients’ complex natural resource challenges for more than 54 years. 

H. T. Harvey & Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.