Associate Project Biologist - Natural Resources - SWCA Environmental Consultants

About the opportunity:

SWCA is expanding our natural resources team and is seeking an AssociateProject Biologist to support a variety of environmental projects involving a range of field and office duties.In this position, you will manage projects, take a lead role in pursuing project opportunities, conduct biological surveys, manage field teams, and mentor staff. Your work will expand SWCA’s professional reputation in natural resources management and research throughout California and beyond, and you will be provided with opportunities for professional development. You will collaborate with peers, maintain SWCA’s standards of excellence, and support the continuing development of SWCA’s Natural Resource Program. 

 

Travel, including overnight stays, may be required for this position. Fieldwork will primarily be located in the southern California region.

 

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 wildlife and vegetation baseline studies, nesting bird surveys, and biological evaluations and 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.
• 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 (ArcPad) and Trimble 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of five 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 accommodations@swca.com 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.