Project Level Biologist – Natural Resources (Temporary)

Under this job requisition, we may hire the following job position:

• Assistant Project Biologist – Typically with up to three (3) years of relevant experience and expertise.
• Associate Project Biologist – Typically with up to five (5) years of relevant experience and expertise.
• Project Biologist – Typically with up to seven (7) years of relevant experience and expertise.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

What you will accomplish

• Conduct independently and lead field crews in conducting environmental inspections, wildlife and vegetation baseline studies, nesting bird surveys, basic wetland assessments, bioassessments, and general habitat assessments.
• Collect field data, record and identify fauna and flora. Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms.
• Photograph and take detailed notes of habitats, species, and landforms.
• Operate SWCA vehicles safely, including operation of 4-wheel-drive vehicles on rugged, back-country roads.
• Follow industry-leading safety check-in and reporting procedures.
• Communicate effectively with SWCA project managers, construction crews, and other environmental specialists to complete the field work and reporting requirements.
• Understand project environmental requirements and the applicable laws and regulations protecting biological resources.
• Complete desktop analyses, web-based database queries, prepare technical reports describing the methods, results, recommendations, and regulatory background for projects.
• Manage natural resources and multi-disciplinary projects, develop and manage project budgets and schedules, and provide timely, high-quality work that achieves client goals.
• Oversee preparation of biological documents and deliverables, including impact assessments, management recommendations, and mitigation measures.
• Provide report QA/QC.
• Maintain positive relationships with clients and public agencies.
• Work directly with clients and regulatory agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and facilitate project approvals.
• Support your peers in meeting client needs, staffing projects, and take initiative in team development and cohesion.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field required
• Knowledge of common and special status California fauna is required and experience working throughout southern California ecosystems
• Prior experience with GIS software, GPS units, and ability to use technology for data collection
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, often at high altitudes, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds is required
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Word and Excel
• Report or other writing experience for a variety of project types, preferably in an environmental consulting context.
• One (1) or more years of experience managing projects, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work.

• Minimum of three years or field seasons of experience completing biological surveys, fieldwork, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, and/or construction monitoring; experience with southern California species and habitats,
• 10(a) 1(a) permits for various wildlife surveys is a plus, and/or botanical and wetland delineation experience.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email [email protected] or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.