At AKS, we are growing and building for the future. We bring together multidisciplined experts across the land development, energy, and infrastructure markets to take on bigger challenges and deliver solutions that make a real difference. Our teams combine creativity, technical excellence, and a collaborative, hands-on approach to solve complex problems and deliver results our clients and communities can count on. We take pride in our work and our ability to provide opportunities for our teams, support each other’s growth, and look ahead to what’s next. When you join AKS, you will find opportunities to take ownership of meaningful projects, learn, lead, and make an impact from day one.
AKS Engineering and Forestry is seeking a full-time Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist, based in our Las Vegas, NV office. This is a field-heavy role focused on biological surveys, environmental compliance, and technical reporting across energy, infrastructure, and development projects throughout the Southwest. You'll spend significant time in the field conducting wildlife surveys, supporting construction compliance monitoring, and preparing the technical deliverables that keep projects moving. This is a permanent, career-track position for someone who wants to grow with a team.
What You’ll Do- Conduct and manage field investigations related to wildlife, botanical resources, waters of the United States, wetlands, and other biological and environmental resources.
- Serve as a Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist on construction and pre-construction projects, including clearance surveys, translocation, and on-site monitoring in compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requirements.
- Perform nesting bird surveys, habitat assessments, and other species-specific biological surveys as project needs arise.
- Analyze collected environmental data and compile professional technical reports including data assessment, evaluation, and original written analysis.
- Prepare summaries and reports on field investigation and inspection results for clients and regulatory agencies.
- Interface with clients, contractors, construction crews, and regulatory agencies professionally and pragmatically — ensuring project objectives are met while complying with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
- Prioritize tasks and work autonomously in both office and remote field settings, often independently.
- You hold a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
- You are a previously approved U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist. You can provide documentation of prior project authorizations.
- You have a minimum of 2 years of dedicated field experience conducting biological surveys, wildlife monitoring, or environmental compliance work in the desert Southwest.
- You are a strong, clear communicator who can work effectively with construction crews, clients, and agency representatives in high-pressure field environments.
- You approach environmental work pragmatically — you follow the rules, do the work ethically, and keep projects moving forward.
- You are comfortable working independently in remote field conditions for extended periods, including long field days (9–11 hours).
- You produce accurate, professional technical reports and written deliverables with minimal oversight.
- You are organized, self-directed, and reliable — when a survey needs to happen tomorrow, you're ready.
- You hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- BLM-approved botanist status or formal botany training and field experience.
- Experience with multiple species surveys beyond desert tortoise (nesting birds, raptors, burrowing owls, sensitive plant species).
- Familiarity with NEPA, ESA Section 7 and Section 10, and state-level environmental permitting in Nevada, California, or Utah.
- Experience working on energy, transmission, utility, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Prior consulting experience in a private-sector environmental firm.
- Cross-training potential across multiple biological disciplines.
At AKS, we believe your work should support your life, not the other way around. Here's what you can count on when you join our team:
- Meaningful Growth: Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, we offer hands-on training, mentorship, and clear paths for professional development so you can grow with purpose.
- Real Collaboration: Join a team that brings diverse perspectives together to solve complex challenges with creativity, curiosity, and a shared commitment to quality.
- Respect for Your Time: We value work-life balance and offer generous PTO and a supportive environment that helps you manage both personal and professional responsibilities.
- Benefits That Care: You’ll have access to health coverage that supports your total well-being, plus a 401(k) match, paid holidays, and more resources to help you thrive.
- Weekly Team Lunches: Take a break and recharge with your teammates, we believe food brings people together.
- Culture That Connects: We invest in experiences that build strong teams and strong communities.
- A Place People Love to Work: We’ve been named one of the Top Workplaces year after year.
Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions, celebrates initiative, and is committed to doing things the right way for our employees, clients, and communities.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field
- Previously approved Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist certification
- Minimum 2 years field experience in biological surveys
- Valid driver's license with clean driving record
What We Do
AKS is a consulting engineering firm that provides civil engineering and additional complementary services. With offices focused in Oregon and SW Washington. We work on a wide range of projects from public infrastructure to private development of subdivisions, commercial sites, industrial, education, medical facilities, and more. We value talent and initiative, and we put these qualities to work for our clients in an environment that cultivates professional growth and strong connections to the communities where we live and work. We are always looking for good people to join our team. Check out our website to get a feel of who we are, what we do, and the possibilities that await you!
