Project Level Biologist

About the opportunity
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Level Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for our Northern California Region. 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. Candidates in the Monterey Bay and San Francisco Bay areas are encouraged to apply to support the volume of infrastructure projects in those areas. 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 conducting aquatic and biological resource surveys and preparing technical reports and agency permit applications.
The Project Level Biologist will have the opportunity to join SWCA's scientific leadership program, which allows top subject experts to be recognized and rewarded for distinguished productivity and intellectual acumen, to make regular contributions to corporate strategies, and provide input to all levels of the company. It is anticipated that moderate travel will be required for the position. This position is a regular, full-time hourly position. The pay rate will be competitive and based on individual qualifications and experience.
Under this job requisition, we may hire the following job position:

• 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.

What you will accomplish

• 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 technical lead or project manager/assistant project manager on a variety of biological resource projects.
• 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 field work and reporting requirements.
• Understand project environmental requirements and the applicable laws and regulations protecting biological resources.
• Complete desktop analyses and web-based database queries and prepare technical reports describing the methods, results, recommendations, and regulatory background for projects.
• Use GPS units and other maps and tools during fieldwork.
• Assist with identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
• Work closely with SWCA's other resource scientists and planners on natural and cultural resource projects throughout the company.

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 5 years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys and resource management in either the public or private sector.
• Experience working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
• Ability to promote SWCAs services internally and externally.
• Must have a current and valid driver's license and the ability to drive multiple types of vehicles, trucks, and 4x4's.
• Experience working alongside and coordinating with subcontractors and ensuring technical excellence.
• Experience 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 botanical survey and wetland delineation experience.
• 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 make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner. Willingness to learn and grow into increased project-management and supervisorial responsibilities.

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 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.
EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
An employee in this Half Moon Bay, California -based Associate Project Biologist position can expect an hourly pay rate of $36.00 - $46.20 and the Project Biologist position an hourly rate of $39.60 - $51.00/hr . Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.