Merkel & Associates, Inc.
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Internal Title Biological Technician or Associate Biologist/Scientist I-III (based on qualifications)
Compensation Full-Time | $58,240-$85,000 annually
About Us Merkel & Associates, Inc. (M&A) is a San Diego-based environmental consulting firm specializing in biological resources, water quality, environmental permitting, habitat restoration, and ecological management. Founded in 1994, we provide expertise in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecology throughout California and the West Coast.
With fewer than 50 employees organized into three technical divisions—Terrestrial Biology, Marine and Aquatic Sciences, and Habitat Restoration and Management—M&A offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Having completed over 6,400 projects, we've built an outstanding reputation with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, as well as diverse private and public sector clients.
M&A stands out as a small firm with comprehensive, full-service capabilities rarely found outside of much larger organizations. We hold a California landscape contractor's license, maintain a full-time restoration implementation team with on-staff pesticide applicators and a certified arborist, and employ permitted/qualified biologists for numerous sensitive species including coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, burrowing owl, Quino checkerspot butterfly, rare plants, and more. Our staff also includes wetland delineators, CRAM/Bioassessment scientists, construction compliance monitors, GIS specialists, licensed UAV pilots, NOAA/CDFW Caulerpa Surveyors, and an AAUS dive program. This means we can manage projects from initial assessment through permitting, implementation, and mitigation monitoring—all in-house—while maintaining the collaborative culture and individual attention of a small team.
Marine services offered by M&A include eelgrass surveys and mitigation support, Caulerpa algae surveys and removal, hydroacoustic mapping capabilities, sediment and water quality analysis, a fully maintained diving program, and taxonomic laboratory facilities. These efforts are all supported by a maintained fleet of vessels equipped to meet the most demanding needs for inshore and nearshore coastal projects.
Position Overview We are seeking a biologist to primarily support our Terrestrial Biology and Habitat Restoration and Management divisions. Biologists will perform a variety of tasks dependent upon qualifications including general biological surveys, botanical investigations, nesting bird surveys, biological construction compliance monitoring, and assisting on or leading focused species surveys (e.g., coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, snowy plover, least tern, burrowing owl, Crotch's bumble bee, marine mammals, rare plants, etc.). M&A's office is located in San Diego and while most work is expected to be in San Diego County, some surveys will involve travel and overnight stays to northern California and other locations along the West Coast.
Key Responsibilities
Plan or conduct biological assessments including habitat evaluations, botanical surveys, wildlife surveys, nesting bird monitoring, and focused sensitive species surveys
Conduct wetland delineations, jurisdictional determinations, and water quality monitoring efforts
Conduct biological construction compliance monitoring and prepare technical compliance reports
Prepare biological assessments, monitoring reports, environmental compliance documents, and permit applications
Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staff coordination
Perform quality control review of technical documents and mentor Biological Technicians
Serve as client point of contact, attend meetings, and contribute to business development
Prepare project scopes, cost estimates, and proposals
Conduct cross-divisional work on marine and habitat restoration programs
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field
Coursework in species identification (e.g., ornithology, botany, mammalogy, herpetology) with basic proficiency in plant, bird, reptile/amphibian, or small mammal identification
1-3 years of field experience completing biological surveys (Biological Technician level)
3-6 years of professional experience in biological consulting (Associate Biologist level)
Strong knowledge of Southern California flora, fauna, and sensitive species
Demonstrated experience managing biological projects, including budgeting and scheduling
Understanding of CEQA, NEPA, California Fish and Game Code, and federal Endangered Species Act
Experience preparing biological technical reports and permit applications
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with GPS field data collection
Valid California driver's license and clean driving record
Ability to work independently in remote field locations and variable weather conditions
Availability for occasional overnight travel
Preferred Qualifications
Expertise in botanical surveys, wetland delineations, or focused species surveys
Familiarity with mitigation and monitoring plan development
Experience with resource agency permitting and coordination
County Certified Biologist or other relevant certifications
Experience with biological construction monitoring
Knowledge of MHCP, MSCP, or other local habitat conservation plans
What We Offer
Competitive compensation:
Based on experience and qualifications
Comprehensive benefits package:
Health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off (PTO), and profit sharing program
Professional development:
Opportunities including training, certification support, and clear advancement pathways
Diverse project portfolio:
Cross environmental compliance, permitting, restoration, and impact assessment
Small firm advantages:
Variety, responsibility, direct client interaction, and collaborative team culture
Work-life balance
with flexible scheduling when appropriate
Physical Requirements
Ability to conduct fieldwork in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions (including heat exceeding 100°F)
Capable of hiking extended distances carrying equipment up to 40 pounds
Must be able to work full days outdoors as needed for surveys and monitoring
Regular travel to project sites throughout Southern California and occasionally northern California
How to Apply Submit your cover letter (optional), resume detailing relevant experience, and three professional references directly through our LinkedIn page. No agencies please. We are handling recruitment directly and will not respond to third-party recruiters.
Application Deadline We will review applications beginning on November 7, 2025 and schedule interviews with qualified candidates. The position will remain open until filled. Please note that we are considering candidates at both the Associate Biologist and Biological Technician levels. However, will are expected to only hire for one of these positions at this time. We will select the most qualified candidate regardless of experience level, and the position title and compensation will be determined accordingly.
Merkel & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Direct message the job poster from Merkel & Associates, Inc.
Internal Title Biological Technician or Associate Biologist/Scientist I-III (based on qualifications)
Compensation Full-Time | $58,240-$85,000 annually
About Us Merkel & Associates, Inc. (M&A) is a San Diego-based environmental consulting firm specializing in biological resources, water quality, environmental permitting, habitat restoration, and ecological management. Founded in 1994, we provide expertise in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecology throughout California and the West Coast.
With fewer than 50 employees organized into three technical divisions—Terrestrial Biology, Marine and Aquatic Sciences, and Habitat Restoration and Management—M&A offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Having completed over 6,400 projects, we've built an outstanding reputation with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, as well as diverse private and public sector clients.
M&A stands out as a small firm with comprehensive, full-service capabilities rarely found outside of much larger organizations. We hold a California landscape contractor's license, maintain a full-time restoration implementation team with on-staff pesticide applicators and a certified arborist, and employ permitted/qualified biologists for numerous sensitive species including coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, burrowing owl, Quino checkerspot butterfly, rare plants, and more. Our staff also includes wetland delineators, CRAM/Bioassessment scientists, construction compliance monitors, GIS specialists, licensed UAV pilots, NOAA/CDFW Caulerpa Surveyors, and an AAUS dive program. This means we can manage projects from initial assessment through permitting, implementation, and mitigation monitoring—all in-house—while maintaining the collaborative culture and individual attention of a small team.
Marine services offered by M&A include eelgrass surveys and mitigation support, Caulerpa algae surveys and removal, hydroacoustic mapping capabilities, sediment and water quality analysis, a fully maintained diving program, and taxonomic laboratory facilities. These efforts are all supported by a maintained fleet of vessels equipped to meet the most demanding needs for inshore and nearshore coastal projects.
Position Overview We are seeking a biologist to primarily support our Terrestrial Biology and Habitat Restoration and Management divisions. Biologists will perform a variety of tasks dependent upon qualifications including general biological surveys, botanical investigations, nesting bird surveys, biological construction compliance monitoring, and assisting on or leading focused species surveys (e.g., coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, snowy plover, least tern, burrowing owl, Crotch's bumble bee, marine mammals, rare plants, etc.). M&A's office is located in San Diego and while most work is expected to be in San Diego County, some surveys will involve travel and overnight stays to northern California and other locations along the West Coast.
Key Responsibilities
Plan or conduct biological assessments including habitat evaluations, botanical surveys, wildlife surveys, nesting bird monitoring, and focused sensitive species surveys
Conduct wetland delineations, jurisdictional determinations, and water quality monitoring efforts
Conduct biological construction compliance monitoring and prepare technical compliance reports
Prepare biological assessments, monitoring reports, environmental compliance documents, and permit applications
Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staff coordination
Perform quality control review of technical documents and mentor Biological Technicians
Serve as client point of contact, attend meetings, and contribute to business development
Prepare project scopes, cost estimates, and proposals
Conduct cross-divisional work on marine and habitat restoration programs
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field
Coursework in species identification (e.g., ornithology, botany, mammalogy, herpetology) with basic proficiency in plant, bird, reptile/amphibian, or small mammal identification
1-3 years of field experience completing biological surveys (Biological Technician level)
3-6 years of professional experience in biological consulting (Associate Biologist level)
Strong knowledge of Southern California flora, fauna, and sensitive species
Demonstrated experience managing biological projects, including budgeting and scheduling
Understanding of CEQA, NEPA, California Fish and Game Code, and federal Endangered Species Act
Experience preparing biological technical reports and permit applications
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with GPS field data collection
Valid California driver's license and clean driving record
Ability to work independently in remote field locations and variable weather conditions
Availability for occasional overnight travel
Preferred Qualifications
Expertise in botanical surveys, wetland delineations, or focused species surveys
Familiarity with mitigation and monitoring plan development
Experience with resource agency permitting and coordination
County Certified Biologist or other relevant certifications
Experience with biological construction monitoring
Knowledge of MHCP, MSCP, or other local habitat conservation plans
What We Offer
Competitive compensation:
Based on experience and qualifications
Comprehensive benefits package:
Health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off (PTO), and profit sharing program
Professional development:
Opportunities including training, certification support, and clear advancement pathways
Diverse project portfolio:
Cross environmental compliance, permitting, restoration, and impact assessment
Small firm advantages:
Variety, responsibility, direct client interaction, and collaborative team culture
Work-life balance
with flexible scheduling when appropriate
Physical Requirements
Ability to conduct fieldwork in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions (including heat exceeding 100°F)
Capable of hiking extended distances carrying equipment up to 40 pounds
Must be able to work full days outdoors as needed for surveys and monitoring
Regular travel to project sites throughout Southern California and occasionally northern California
How to Apply Submit your cover letter (optional), resume detailing relevant experience, and three professional references directly through our LinkedIn page. No agencies please. We are handling recruitment directly and will not respond to third-party recruiters.
Application Deadline We will review applications beginning on November 7, 2025 and schedule interviews with qualified candidates. The position will remain open until filled. Please note that we are considering candidates at both the Associate Biologist and Biological Technician levels. However, will are expected to only hire for one of these positions at this time. We will select the most qualified candidate regardless of experience level, and the position title and compensation will be determined accordingly.
Merkel & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
#J-18808-Ljbffr