Project Wildlife Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Half Moon Bay, CA

3d•Remote

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Wildlife Biologist to manage natural resource projects and technical tasks and support business development throughout the Bay Area and coastal California. The role conducts and oversees wildlife surveys, coordinates field teams, mentors junior staff, and collaborates with project managers, clients, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver biological and environmental compliance services. Projects may serve utility providers, transportation and water agencies, local and state governments, private developers, and conservation organizations. The position manages and participates in wildlife and vegetation surveys, habitat assessments, biological evaluations, monitoring, and related field studies. It also manages project scopes, budgets, schedules, and deliverables; prepares technical reports, resource analyses, planning and compliance documents; supports permitting and regulatory review; and provides technical guidance to project teams. The role directs field data collection and management, maintains project records, communicates technical and regulatory information to clients and agencies, and develops strategies to avoid, minimize, or mitigate project impacts. This is a full-time, regular, salaried/exempt position with benefits, distributed (remote) based eligible from SWCA’s Half Moon Bay, California office. Fieldwork will primarily take place across the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Coast, and other California locations as project needs dictate. Travel, including overnight stays, may be required. The work is regularly outdoors and can involve hiking uneven terrain, carrying equipment, and working in varying or extreme weather conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four years of progressively responsible experience in biological consulting, natural resources consulting, environmental permitting, or related work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience conducting biological surveys, habitat assessments, biological monitoring, construction monitoring, or related fieldwork.
Knowledge of California and federal environmental regulations applicable to biological resources, including the California Endangered Species Act and Federal Endangered Species Act.
Familiarity with common and special-status California plant and wildlife species.
Experience preparing technical biological reports, biological evaluations, permit applications, compliance documentation, or related technical deliverables.
Experience managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables for natural resource or environmental projects.
Proficiency with GPS, field data collection technology, and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
Ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environmental conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and carry field equipment as needed.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements.
Ability to take responsibility for team safety, develop safety plans when applicable, and anticipate potential safety hazards.

Nice To Haves

Seven years of biological consulting or natural resources experience.
Several years or field seasons conducting biological surveys, habitat assessments, construction monitoring, or related fieldwork.
Experience preparing and/or working under Habitat Conservation Plans, Natural Community Conservation Plans, regional conservation plans, or similar resource management programs.
Experience supporting infrastructure, transportation, utilities, water, renewable energy, or other environmental permitting projects.
Possession of, or experience operating under, applicable biological resource permits, including California Scientific Collection Permits, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permits, or other federal and state species-specific authorizations.

Responsibilities

Direct and participate in collecting, managing, and summarizing field data and other 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.
Direct and perform field monitoring or management actions required by projects or regulatory terms and conditions.
Create and maintain records of completed activities and field conditions.
Prepare technical resource reports and report sections, including project setting, objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions.
Collaborate with Technical Editors to ensure the quality of written 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 ensure 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 and action items 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.
Manage and participate in biological field studies, including wildlife and vegetation surveys, habitat assessments, and biological evaluations.
Collect and manage field and desktop data using GPS, GIS, maps, aerial imagery, and other technical tools.
Manage natural resource projects, including scopes, budgets, schedules, and delivery of work aligned with client objectives.
Uphold field safety standards, operate company vehicles as required, develop site-specific safety plans when applicable, and anticipate field hazards.
Perform related work as assigned.