Hybrid Project Botanist: NEPA & Permitting Expert

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Monterey (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Project Botanist to join our Natural Resources Program in Half Moon Bay, California. You will support botanical resources, permitting, and environmental compliance across Bay Area and Northern California projects, conducting field surveys and preparing technical documentation.

The role offers hybrid work, opportunities to mentor staff, collaborate with project managers and regulators, and contribute to NEPA/ESA processes while maintaining safety and quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• Four years of professional experience conducting botanical surveys and related natural resource fieldwork.
• Experience conducting rare plant surveys and field identification using botanical keys and standard taxonomic methods.
• Coursework in Plant Taxonomy or equivalent academic training in plant identification and classification.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and permitting requirements affecting natural resource projects.
• Experience supporting environmental permitting, compliance, restoration, or resource management projects in aquatic, wetland, riparian, coastal, or other waters-related environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and technical writing skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to carry field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds and conduct extended walking or hiking during field investigations.
• Ability to operate company vehicles safely and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting company driving requirements.
• Willingness to participate in pre-employment drug and alcohol screening when required by specific project.

Responsibilities

• Directs and participates in the collection, management, and summarization of field data and other best available information.
• Directs and performs simple descriptive data analysis and collaborates with GIS and Statistical teams.
• Directs and prepares technical resource reports and sections of others, including objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions.
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff on resource science and regulatory requirements.
• Develops strategies for avoiding or mitigating project impacts and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Leads conversations with teaming partners, experts, clients, landowners, and agency staff.
• Prepares and provides resource or regulatory updates to clients.
• Follows applicable regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Partner with project managers and clients to plan, coordinate, and execute natural resource projects.

Skills

Botanical surveys

Environmental compliance

Regulatory permitting

Technical writing

Field data management

NEPA/ESA knowledge

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field

Job description

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Project Botanist to join our Natural Resources Program in Half Moon Bay, California. You will support botanical resources, permitting, and environmental compliance across Bay Area and Northern California projects, conducting field surveys and preparing technical documentation.

The role offers hybrid work, opportunities to mentor staff, collaborate with project managers and regulators, and contribute to NEPA/ESA processes while maintaining safety and quality