Project Level Biologist - Natural Resources (Temporary)

About the opportunity

SWCA is expanding our natural resources team and is seeking a Project Level 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.

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

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 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.

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 need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; 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.

An employee in this San Diego, CA-based position can expect a pay rate for an Assistant Project Biologist of $30.71- $40.07/hr, for an Associate Project Biologist $35.10-45.05/hr and for a Project Biologist $80,308.80-$103,428.00/yr. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA's continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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