Project Biologist: Lead Field Studies & Resource Planning

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Level Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for upcoming environmental projects involving a range of office and field duties. Candidates located in California's Central Coast area are encouraged to apply to support the volume of infrastructure projects in those areas. We are seeking a candidate who is looking to develop or continue a long-term consulting career that combines high-level technical expertise, business acumen and the potential for leadership. Responsibilities may include developing and implementing scientific studies, leading surveys, natural resource planning, staff coordination, project management, and business development. An important aspect of the work will involve staff mentorship and technical review of reports.

It is anticipated that travel, including overnight stays, may be required for this position. This position may at times also require long or abnormal work hours (early start times, night shifts, etc.). Experience throughout the state is not required as multiple on-calls will be hired to cover a wide range of geographies including Southern California, San Joaquin Valley, and San Francisco Bay. Fieldwork will mostly include travel throughout the Central Coast. However, opportunities to travel throughout California and continental United States (e.g., Colorado, New Mexico, Texas) may be available.

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.

This position is temporary, hourly. Pay rate will be competitive, based on individual qualifications and experience.

What you will accomplish

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Work closely with a project team to develop innovative approaches to resource assessment that meet client needs and can withstand agency and public scrutiny.
Take initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are addressed.
Coordinate and/or lead biological survey efforts.
Serve as project manager or technical lead on a variety of biological resource projects.
Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, ArcGIS Field Maps, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms .
Identify and pursue new business opportunities.
Work closely with SWCA's other resource scientists, planners, on natural and cultural resource projects throughout the company.
Take responsibility for team safety, develop safety plans (when applicable), and anticipate potential safety hazards.

Experience and qualifications for success

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field required, Master's degree highly desired.
At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys and resource management in either the public or private sector.
Experience of working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
Ability to promote SWCAs services internally and externally.
Experience managing subcontractors and ensuring technical excellence.
Experience in writing technical reports.
The ideal candidate will also possess strong wildlife and/or plant identification skills; familiarity with the Endangered Species Act, excellent writing skills, and ability to record accurate field notes required.
Ability to take initiative, resolve problems and ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
Ability to work as member of a team and independently to make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner. Willingness to learn and grow into increased project-management and supervisorial responsibilities.
Minimum of a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field required, Master's degree highly desired.
At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys and resource management in either the public or private sector.
Experience of working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
Ability to promote SWCAs services internally and externally.
Experience managing subcontractors and ensuring technical excellence.
Experience in writing technical reports.
The ideal candidate will also possess strong wildlife and/or plant identification skills; familiarity with the Endangered Species Act, excellent writing skills, and ability to record accurate field notes required.
Ability to take initiative, resolve problems and ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
Ability to work as member of a team and independently to make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner. Willingness to learn and grow into increased project-management and supervisorial responsibilities.

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.

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

An employee in this San Luis Obispo, 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 $38.61 - $49.73/r Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

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.

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 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.

#LI-LP1