Project Wildlife Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Half Moon Bay, CA

4d•$85,663 - $110,323•Remote

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Wildlife Biologist to join its team in Half Moon Bay, California. The position manages natural resource projects and technical tasks, supports business development, conducts and oversees wildlife surveys, coordinates field teams, and mentors junior staff. The role collaborates with project managers, clients, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver biological and environmental compliance services for clients such as utility providers, transportation and water agencies, governments, private developers, and conservation organizations. The role includes managing project scopes, budgets, schedules, and deliverables; leading wildlife and habitat assessments; supporting permitting and compliance; preparing technical reports and resource analyses; overseeing field investigations; and providing technical guidance. Fieldwork is primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Coast, and other locations in California as project needs dictate. Travel, including overnight stays, may be required. This is a full-time, regular, salaried/exempt position with benefits, distributed (remote) based eligible from the Half Moon Bay office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field, or 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.

Nice To Haves

Seven years of related experience is preferred.
Several years or field seasons conducting biological surveys, habitat assessments, construction monitoring, or related fieldwork.
Experience preparing or working under Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), Natural Community Conservation Plans (NCCPs), 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 maintain records of activities and conditions.
Prepare technical resource reports and report sections, including setting, objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions, and collaborate with Technical Editors on deliverable quality.
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 regulatory compliance; prepare planning and compliance documents for review and approval.
Lead technical conversations with teaming partners, experts, clients, landowners, and agency staff; document communications and share insights, action items, 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.
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.