Project Biologist - Natural Resources
About The Position
SWCA is expanding our natural resources team and is seeking a Project Biologist to support a variety of environmental projects involving a range of field and office duties. In this position, you will manage projects, assist 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. As our Natural Resources team continues to grow, additional opportunities for advancement and/or transition to a regular, full-time position will be available. 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.
Requirements
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field required
- Familiarity with the California and Federal Endangered Species Acts
- Knowledge of common and special status California fauna is required and experience working throughout southern California ecosystems
- Prior experience with GIS software and 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.
Nice To Haves
- 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. Experience with southern California plans such as the Western Riverside MSHCP or the San Diego MSCP.
- 10(a) 1(a) permits for various wildlife surveys is a plus, and/or botanical and wetland delineation experience.
Responsibilities
- Conduct wildlife and vegetation baseline studies, 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 for the southern California region and the applicable laws and regulations protecting biological resources.
- Complete desktop analyses, web-based database queries, prepare technical reports describing the methods, results, recommendations, development of mitigation measures, 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, such as biological resources technical reports.
- 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.
Benefits
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
