Application Guide
How to Apply for Biologist- Remote Desktop Analyst Coordinator (Field Based)
at Environmental Resources Management
🏢 About Environmental Resources Management
Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is a global sustainability consultancy that uniquely positions itself at the intersection of business strategy and environmental science, helping clients achieve low-carbon futures and advance ESG priorities worldwide. Unlike traditional environmental firms, ERM focuses on strategic implementation of sustainability across industries, making it ideal for professionals who want to influence corporate environmental decision-making at a global scale.
About This Role
This role combines biological expertise with remote desktop analysis to conduct environmental constraints reviews for projects, primarily determining appropriate avoidance and minimization measures for compliance. You'll be analyzing California habitats (especially Southern California) using ArcGIS Online and Excel to support environmental clearance work, making this position impactful by directly influencing how development projects minimize ecological harm while meeting regulatory requirements.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves analyzing project maps in ArcGIS Online to identify environmental constraints, processing biological survey data in Excel to determine compliance requirements, and preparing desktop review reports that recommend specific avoidance measures for California habitats. You'll collaborate remotely with field teams to validate findings while ensuring all work aligns with ERM's quality standards for environmental clearance documentation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Environmental Resources Management Is Looking For
- Has 2+ years of hands-on field experience specifically with California ecosystems, with demonstrated knowledge of Southern California habitats like coastal sage scrub, chaparral, or wetland systems
- Can translate field observations into desktop analysis using ArcGIS Online for constraints mapping and Microsoft Excel for data processing with high accuracy
- Possesses practical experience with sub-meter GPS technologies and can interpret specialized maps like NWI (National Wetlands Inventory) and USGS topographic maps for environmental assessments
- Holds a natural science degree with coursework or experience in both biology and water resources, enabling integrated analysis of terrestrial and aquatic systems
📝 Tips for Applying to Environmental Resources Management
Quantify your California field experience by listing specific habitats surveyed (e.g., '120 hours surveying Southern California coastal wetlands' or 'conducted 15 biological assessments in chaparral ecosystems')
Create a portfolio sample showing how you've used ArcGIS Online for environmental constraints analysis, even if from academic projects, and be prepared to discuss your process
Highlight any experience with ERM's specific compliance frameworks or similar environmental management systems used in consulting
Demonstrate how your biological knowledge connects to water resource considerations, since the role requires both skill sets
Mention specific California regulatory contexts you're familiar with (CEQA, CDFW protocols, regional water board requirements) even if briefly
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Connect your field experience directly to desktop analysis capabilities, explaining how on-ground observations inform your remote assessment decisions', "Demonstrate understanding of ERM's strategic sustainability approach by mentioning how environmental constraints analysis supports client ESG goals", 'Provide a specific example of using Excel and ArcGIS together for environmental analysis, describing the outcome', 'Express genuine interest in California habitat conservation through practical compliance work rather than just research']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → ERM's specific service lines in sustainability consulting and their major clients in the energy/infrastructure sectors
- → ERM's recent projects in California environmental compliance and their approach to habitat conservation
- → The company's management system and quality standards mentioned in the job description
- → ERM's position on emerging ESG frameworks and how environmental clearance work supports these initiatives
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Presenting as purely a field biologist without demonstrating how field experience translates to desktop analysis capabilities
- Generic environmental passion statements without specific examples of technical work with California habitats
- Failing to show proficiency with both the biological and water resource aspects of the role in application materials
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Environmental Resources Management!