Project Botanist

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Half Moon Bay, CA

4d•$85,663 - $110,323•Hybrid

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Botanist for its Natural Resources Program in Half Moon Bay, California. The role supports natural resources projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, focusing on botanical resources, waters permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory support. The position contributes to infrastructure, restoration, utility, transportation, renewable energy, and land development projects through botanical assessments, permitting support, technical documentation, and environmental compliance work. The Project Botanist conducts botanical field studies, prepares technical reports, supports permitting and environmental documentation, and collaborates with project managers and technical specialists. The role works with project managers, botanists, biological resources specialists, permitting professionals, and Natural Resources leadership to support project execution and client success. It is a full-time, regular, salaried/exempt position with benefits, based in the Half Moon Bay office, with hybrid work arrangements available. The successful candidate will support projects under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and related environmental permitting and planning processes. Responsibilities also include technical guidance for junior staff, coordination with clients and agencies, document review, and participation in project planning, budgeting, proposal development, outreach, and business development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field, or equivalent relevant education and experience.
At least four years of professional experience conducting botanical surveys and related natural resource fieldwork.
Experience conducting rare plant surveys and identifying plants in the field 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, including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Commitment to health and safety, including identifying hazards and implementing appropriate safety procedures during field activities.
Ability to carry field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds and walk or hike for extended periods during field investigations.
Ability to safely operate company vehicles and maintain a valid driver’s license that meets company requirements.
Willingness to participate in pre-employment drug and alcohol screening when required by a specific project.
Ability to travel domestically, potentially by commercial airline, and obtain and maintain required travel documents and identification.
Ability to work outdoors, hike on uneven terrain, lift and carry equipment weighing 25–50 pounds, and work in varying or extreme weather conditions while following safety procedures.
Applicants must submit a Letter of Interest and current resume to be considered.

Nice To Haves

Seven years of related botanical, ecological, or natural resource consulting experience.
Experience supporting environmental permitting and compliance involving waters, wetlands, streams, riparian habitats, habitat restoration, or aquatic resources.
Experience preparing technical documentation for federal, state, or local permitting and environmental review processes.
Prior project planning, budgeting, scheduling, or task management experience.
Experience working with federal, state, or local resource agencies involved in environmental permitting and natural resource management.
Demonstrated ability to take on increasing project management and leadership responsibilities.
Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, clients, regulators, and stakeholders on environmental projects.

Responsibilities

Direct and participate in collecting, managing, and summarizing field data and other best available information, ensuring it is accurate, complete, and verifiable.
Perform simple descriptive data analysis and collaborate with GIS and Statistical teams on more complex analysis to identify significance, trends, and predictions relevant to project questions.
Direct and perform field monitoring or management actions to meet project requirements or regulatory terms and conditions, and maintain project records of activities and conditions.
Prepare technical resource reports and sections of other reports, including project setting, objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions; coordinate with Technical Editors to support quality deliverables.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff on resource science, methods, regulatory requirements, and project or client insights.
Develop strategies to avoid, minimize, or mitigate project impacts and support compliance with regulatory standards; prepare planning and compliance documents for regulatory review and approval.
Lead technical discussions with teaming partners, experts, clients, landowners, and agency staff; document communications and share relevant insights, actions, and issues with project teams and supervisors.
Prepare and provide resource or regulatory updates to clients.
Follow applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
Partner with project managers and clients to plan, coordinate, and complete natural resource projects.
Support NEPA, ESA, CWA, and related environmental permitting and planning requirements.
Review environmental documents prepared by other specialists for technical quality and consistency.
Assist with proposal development, project budgeting, client outreach, and business development.
Identify process improvements, resolve project challenges, and implement solutions that support client objectives.
Take responsibility for team safety, develop safety plans when applicable, and anticipate potential safety hazards.
Perform related work as assigned.