Project Level Biologist - Natural Resources (Temporary)

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$31 - $50

About The Position

SWCA is expanding our natural resources team and is seeking a Temporary Project Level Biologist to support a variety of environmental projects involving a range of field and office duties throughout Southern California. In this position, you will manage multiple projects from start to finish with oversight, take a lead role in pursuing project opportunities, manage field teams to conduct biological surveys, 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. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply practical knowledge of southern California biological resources and habitats, and local, state, and federal regulations to advance a diverse portfolio of projects in transmission, renewables, land development, and more. Work may include leading siting, alternatives, and constraints analysis; leading field crews in recording and documenting pre-existing biological and aquatic conditions; and implementing monitoring mitigation and compliance plans. You may utilize a variety of online tools including ArcGIS Online, Survey123, CNDDB, FWS Critical Habitat Mapper, and Google Earth to conduct desktop research and collect data in the field. To succeed in this role, you are experienced with local threatened, endangered, and special-status plants, wildlife, and vegetation communities, and well as jurisdictional waters and wetlands of Southern California. Work will be performed in a fast-paced environment working within a larger team. Travel, including overnight stays, may be required for this position. Fieldwork will primarily be located in the southern California region. 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. 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
Knowledge of common and special status California fauna is required and experience working throughout southern California ecosystems
Prior experience with GIS software, 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 three 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,
10(a) 1(a) permits for various wildlife surveys is a plus, and/or botanical and wetland delineation experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct independently and lead field crews in conducting environmental inspections, wildlife and vegetation baseline studies, nesting bird surveys, basic wetland assessments, bioassessments, and general habitat 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 and the applicable laws and regulations protecting biological resources.
Complete desktop analyses, web-based database queries, prepare technical reports describing the methods, results, recommendations, 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, including impact assessments, management recommendations, and mitigation measures.
Provide report QA/QC.
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.