Application Guide
How to Apply for Wildlife Biologist - Field focused (on-call)
at AECOM
🏢 About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure leader that blends engineering, design, and environmental services to deliver sustainable legacies. Its Environment business line tackles complex natural resource challenges, and the Natural Resources team specifically supports high-profile transportation projects that balance infrastructure growth with ecological protection. Working here means contributing to California’s most transformative surface transportation projects while being part of a worldwide network of experts.
About This Role
As a Wildlife Biologist II – Field focused, you’ll be the on-the-ground expert ensuring that construction activities comply with biological regulations and protect special-status species. Your days will mix fieldwork—conducting wildlife and nesting bird surveys—with technical reporting and client coordination. This on-call, remote position directly supports a major transportation client, making your work vital to both project success and environmental stewardship.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start early with a nesting bird survey at a construction site, followed by monitoring activities to ensure compliance with biological permits. You’d document findings, communicate with construction crews and clients, and later prepare a technical report summarizing the day’s observations. Some days may be office-based, focused on report writing, permit applications, and coordinating schedules for upcoming field assignments.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For
- Has 2–4 years of field experience in biological monitoring, with a strong background in California wildlife and special-status species surveys.
- Is skilled at conducting nesting bird surveys and familiar with relevant regulations (e.g., Migratory Bird Treaty Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and Endangered Species Act).
- Can independently manage project files, track schedules, and prepare clear technical reports while maintaining strong relationships with clients and construction crews.
- Lives in or near Santa Cruz, Monterey, Paso Robles, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, or Santa Barbara, and is available for on-call, part-time fieldwork.
📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM
Highlight your experience with California transportation projects or similar linear infrastructure (e.g., highways, rail) to show you understand the unique challenges of biological compliance in active construction zones.
Quantify your field experience—mention specific survey hours, number of nesting bird surveys conducted, or special-status species you’ve worked with (e.g., California red-legged frog, steelhead, burrowing owl).
Explicitly state your location and willingness to travel within the listed Central Coast regions; AECOM prioritizes candidates in these areas for on-call responsiveness.
Demonstrate familiarity with AECOM’s Environment business line by referencing their sustainable legacies mission and how your work aligns with it.
Tailor your resume to emphasize report writing and client communication skills, as this role requires balancing fieldwork with technical documentation and relationship management.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience conducting biological compliance monitoring on active construction sites, including how you’ve resolved conflicts between project timelines and environmental protections.', 'Your proficiency in surveying for special-status wildlife and nesting birds in California, with examples of species and protocols you’ve used.', 'Your ability to produce clear, accurate technical reports and permit applications that meet regulatory standards.', 'Your connection to the Central Coast region and your availability for on-call, part-time work, showing you understand the demands of the role.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Learn about AECOM’s recent surface transportation projects in California, especially those involving environmental compliance, to speak knowledgeably about their work.
- → Understand the structure and services of AECOM’s Environment business line, including their Natural Resources team and how they support transportation clients.
- → Familiarize yourself with California’s key environmental regulations (CEQA, ESA, MBTA) and how they apply to transportation construction.
- → Research the specific Central Coast regions mentioned in the job posting to understand local ecosystems and special-status species that might be encountered.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being vague about your field experience—employers want concrete examples of surveys and monitoring you’ve personally conducted, not just a list of species.
- Ignoring the on-call, part-time nature of the role—don’t imply you’re seeking a traditional 9-to-5 schedule or full-time hours.
- Neglecting to mention your location or willingness to travel within the specified areas, as this is a key screening criterion.
📅 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!