Scott Batchelder
Carlsbad,CA
Summary
Scott Batchelder is a biologist with 11 years’ professional experience in biological and compliance monitoring. He has conducted nesting bird surveys, biological surveys, biological monitoring, quantitative data collection, and wetland delineation and prepared technical documentation.
Mr. Batchelder has also participated in protocol surveys for special-status
species including least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), burrowing owl (Athene
cunicularia), Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus), arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus), California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornate), and desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). He is also comfortable conducting qualitative and quantitative water quality assessments, identification of aquatic species, and methods of capturing aquatic species for assessments.
Mr. Batchelder has assisted in many rare plant surveys and conducted several evaluations of mitigation sites. He also has extensive experience in handling, identifying, and observing various marine fish species from having worked several years as a deckhand on a recreational sportfishing vessel. Mr. Batchelder has worked on several native habitat restoration projects and gained experience in maintaining restoration sites to ultimately reach signoff criteria. He has experience with applying hydroseed, directing crews during removal of nonnative species and installation of native species, herbicide application, best management practice installation, and irrigation installation.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
01.2014
- Conducted nesting bird surveys and monitored an active red-tailed hawk nest along Interstate 215, between Nuevo Road and Scott Road.
01.2013
- Monitored vegetation clearing along access roads at Coal Canyon and was primarily focused on the population of Tecate cypress (special-status species) located in the area.
01.2024 - Current
- Mr
- Batchelder participated in focused protocol surveys for desert tortoise
- All potential/ suitable burrows were recorded and documented and additional wildlife observations were also documented for future surveys.
01.2024 - Current
- As lead biologist Scott Batchelder coordinated personnel (Dudek and various subcontractors) while conducting focused protocol surveys for burrowing owl
- All suitable habitat was surveyed by walking transect lines and data was collected where BUOW sign was observed
- Scott had daily communication with the Project Manager (Michelle Leis) to update her on the progress of the survey crew.
01.2024 - Current
- As the field lead biologist, Scott coordinated surveys for burrowing owl
- Several direct observations of BUOW were documented and all suitable burrows/ sign of burrowing owl were also recorded for future surveys.
01.2023 - Current
- Assisted client in development of 585 dwelling units, hotel, education center, fire station, parks, trails and more on an approximately 167-acre project site
- Ensured all permits were approved prior to earth-moving activities for governing agencies CDFW, USFWS, USACE, and RWQCB
- Completed focused pre-construction surveys and monitored work activities throughout development process to ensure compliance with permit requirements
- Also, conducted protocol surveys for nesting birds, least Bell's vireo, and southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus).
Biologist
Dudek
03.2021 - Current
- Mr. Batchelder is a Biologist with 11 years' professional experience in biological and compliance monitoring. Conducted nesting bird surveys, biological surveys, biological monitoring, quantitative data collection, and wetland delineation and prepared technical documentation
- Mr. Batchelder has also participated in protocol surveys for special-status species including least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus), arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus), California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornate), and desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)
- Extremely comfortable conducting qualitative and quantitative water quality assessments, identification of aquatic species, and methods of capturing aquatic species for assessments
- Mr. Batchelder has assisted in many rare plant surveys and conducted several evaluations of mitigation sites
- Extensive experience in handling, identifying, and observing various marine fish species from having worked several years as a deckhand on a recreational sportfishing vessel.
- Mr.Batchelder has worked on several native habitat restoration projects and gained experience in maintaining restoration sites to ultimately reach signoff criteria.
- Experience with applying hydroseed, directing crews during removal of nonnative species and installation of native species, herbicide application, best management practice installation, and irrigation installation.
- Monitored environmental conditions during field studies to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices.
- Developed comprehensive reports on research outcomes that influenced policy development in natural resource management.
Biologist/ Compliance Field Lead
Dudek
03.2021 - Current
- Strong background in biology and environmental science, as well as experience in leading field compliance efforts. This role will involve overseeing field operations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
- Maintained high-quality records of experiments, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference and analysis.
- Conduct field assessments and surveys to collect data on plant and animal species, habitats, and ecosystems.
- Analyze data and prepare reports on the findings of field assessments.
- Develop and implement strategies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
- Lead a team of field technicians and provide guidance and training on compliance procedures.
- Collaborate with regulatory agencies and stakeholders to address compliance issues and develop solutions.
- Monitor and evaluate field activities to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Stay current on environmental laws and regulations to ensure compliance in all field operations.
- Participate in environmental impact assessments and mitigation planning for proposed projects.
- Maintained high-quality records of experiments, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference and analysis.
01.2014 - 08.2024
- Assisted in a pre-construction survey, administered burrowing owl/desert tortoise training for all crewmembers, and monitored for these special-status specials during pole removal and installation.
01.2022 - 01.2024
- As the lead field biologist, Scott Batchelder communicated and coordinated with a crew from Downing Construction, performed focused protocol surveys for arroyo toad, monitored various construction activities, monitored for Stephan's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stepheni), and performed daily inspections of the exclusionary silt fence.
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Conducted clearance surveys for desert tortoise, burrowing owl, and desert kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) in accordance with USFWS protocol
- Performed biological monitoring during ground-disturbing construction activities
- Advised construction personnel on specific mitigation requirements pertaining to desert tortoise and desert kit fox, conducted nesting bird surveys, relocated wildlife from the construction area, and completed daily monitoring reports
- Implemented protective measures for sensitive resources on site, including no-disturbance buffers, passive relocation of desert kit foxes during the nonnatal season, and den excavation
- The project required the construction of an approximately 4,000 acre, 485megawatt solar power plant, with photovoltaic modules mounted on horizontal single-axis tracker systems, and above and below ground electrical transmission/collection systems.
01.2022 - 01.2023
- As third-party compliance monitor Mr
- Batchelder conducted weekly site checks, ensuring proper personnel was on site and additional compliance measures were being met.
01.2022 - 01.2023
- As Lead Biologist, L.A
- Department of Water & Power Haskell to Sylmar Transmission Line Conversion Project, Monitored and protected natural resources and protected species during the overhead installation of a 230KV transmission line within burrowing owl, along wetlands, and other sensitive habitat
- Coordinated monitoring tasks, attended construction meetings and documented nesting bird observations and compliance issues
- Submitted daily environmental field reports on mitigation actions in accordance with the MBTA, BLM, and CDFW.
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Scott conducted nesting bird surveys for various species, monitored a variety of construction activities that include; grading, excavation, and diverting of the water channel within the river corridor, and vegetation clearing.
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Assisted in construction monitoring during ground-disturbing activities
- Scott also installed/ monitored ESA's for active desert kit fox, conducted nesting bird species, relocation of several species during grading and excavation activities, and hand excavation of inactive desert kit fox dens (following hazing protocol)
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Scott Batchelder performed a wide variety of construction monitoring (grading, post pounding, vegetation removal, etc.)
- Additional tasks that Mr
- Batchelder participated with include; desert tortoise fence inspection surveys, rare plant surveys, and installation/ monitoring of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA's) for desert kit fox and nesting bird species.
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Scott Batchelder monitored various construction activities that include; vegetation removal, herbicide application, grading, silt fence installation and excavation
- Additionally, Mr
- Batchelder monitored ESA's on site for several nesting bird species, performed weekly inspections of bird traps that target brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), and conducted nesting bird species through the surrounding riparian habitat.
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Scott monitored grading and vegetation clearing on site, assisted with focused protocol surveys for burrowing owl and desert tortoise surveys, monitored ESA's for desert kit fox and nesting bird species, conducted common raven nest surveys throughout the site, and performed hand excavation of desert kit fox dens (following the hazing protocol).
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Conducted data collection of the vegetation and contributed to the annual report for this site.
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Assisted with various responsibilities, including annual report writing, several qualitative monitoring events, and quantitative data collection.
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Worked as the project manager for the Eternal Hills Preserve Project
- Conducted regular monitoring visits and protocol surveys for California gnatcatcher and sensitive plant species, including western dichondra and thread-leaved brodiaea
- Was also in charge of updating a map of the project that illustrates the diverse vegetation communities.
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Served as the project manager and biological monitor for construction-related activities during in/over water work
- Performed weekly monitoring events for least terns, collected/analyzed water samples for turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and pH.
01.2014 - 01.2016
- As compliance observation monitor, performed project oversight, reporting to First Solar
- The Stateline project is on an approximately 1,700-acre location southwest of Primm, Nevada
- The observations and reporting ensured all personnel remained compliant, allowing the project to continue and preventing impacts to sensitive resources, including archaeological, biological, paleontological, and Native American.
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Worked as the biological monitor before and during construction of the power plant
- Duties performed included nesting bird surveys, preconstruction burrowing owl surveys, Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) surveys, and California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) surveys.
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Served as a compliance observation monitor and performed project oversight, reporting directly to the Bureau of Land Management
- Coordinated with all monitors to ensure project-related activities remained compliant by verifying the necessary personnel was present, proper communication was maintained between all participants of the project, and daily observations were precisely documented.
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Served as the biological monitor for construction-related activities and was responsible for minimizing disturbances to sensitive, environmental resources that included special-status species such as Pacific pocket mouse, California gnatcatcher, and arroyo toad.
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Performed pre-construction surveys and biological monitoring for special-status species in various locations throughout Southern California Edison's nearly 50-mile transmission line upgrade project through public and private lands in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Education
BS - Biology, Ecological Sciences
California State University
San Marcos, California01.2011
Skills
- Data analysis and scientific programming (MATLAB, Minitab, and Microsoft Excel)
- Proficient in Spanish
- Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental regulations
- Experience leading field teams and managing compliance efforts
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in data analysis and report writing
Specialized Training
- Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Biomonitor Training
- Introduction to Desert Tortoise Handling and Field Techniques
- Wetland Training Institute, Wetland Delineation Field Techniques
- South Coast Air Quality Control District, South Coast Air Basin Fugitive Dust Control Class
- Concepts of Bioassessment and SWAMP Field Procedures Training
- Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) Training Course
Additional Information
Additional Experience:
Sport Fishing and Boating Enthusiast
Mustang Sportfishing, Tomahawk Sportfishing, Aztec Sportfishing, Relentless Sportfishing, Pride Sportfishing
Experienced in operating and navigating different types of boats, including motorboats and yachts
Skilled in maintaining fishing equipment and ensuring boat safety
Strong knowledge of fishing regulations and boating laws
Excellent problem-solving abilities and adaptability in changing weather and water conditions
Relevant projects:
- Shelter Island boatyard
- Ramona Municipal Water District
- Vail Lake Mitigation and Monitoring
- San Gabriel Reservoir Emergency Repair project
- San Marcos Creek
Timeline
01.2024 - Current
01.2024 - Current
01.2024 - Current
01.2023 - Current
01.2022 - 01.2024
01.2022 - 01.2023
01.2022 - 01.2023
01.2022 - 01.2023
01.2022 - 01.2023
Biologist
Dudek
03.2021 - Current
Biologist/ Compliance Field Lead
Dudek
03.2021 - Current
01.2021 - 01.2024
01.2021 - 01.2023
01.2021 - 01.2023
01.2021 - 01.2022
01.2015 - 01.2017
01.2015 - 01.2016
01.2014
01.2014 - 08.2024
01.2014 - 01.2017
01.2014 - 01.2016
01.2014 - 01.2015
01.2013
01.2013 - 01.2017
01.2013 - 01.2016
01.2013 - 01.2015
01.2013 - 01.2014
BS - Biology, Ecological Sciences
California State University