Staff Biologist- Field Lead

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Baton Rouge, LA

4d•$24 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants’ Baton Rouge, LA office is actively seeking to fill Staff Biologist – Field Lead position. Our Baton Rouge office offers a unique work environment and specializes in natural resources and planning. Project work may include oil and gas development, transmission/pipelines, transportation, mining, and Federal clients. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading natural resource field crews in conducting biological surveys in the South region. This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), hourly/non-exempt position that will require extensive travel for field-based projects. 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

Bachelor’s degree in biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field
Two (2) years of field experience in biology, ecology, natural resource management, or related field along with some or all of the following additional knowledge/experience:
Experience with accurate data collection procedures, and data entry QA/QC
Experience conducting avian studies in the southern United States, including presence/absence surveys, population and nesting studies
Small mammal and/or herpetofauna experience
Vegetation sampling and habitat assessment experience
Wetland delineation experience in the South
Previous field supervisory experience
The ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and at high altitudes; the ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
Experience with Trimble GPS units.
Ability to research and prepare technical documents
Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads
Applicants must have valid driver’s license and be able to meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ArcPad is a plus
Three (3) years of field experience in biology, ecology, natural resource management, or related field.

Responsibilities

Lead field crews under the supervision of Field Directors and/or Project Managers in the performance of natural resource fieldwork.
Conduct biological surveys, habitat assessments, and wetland/OHWM delineation
Accurately collect data and complete field forms, digital photography, and mapping
Collect GPS data using Trimble units; manage data and download data to and from GPS units
Coordinate and communicate with project managers, land surveyors, landowners and other SWCA staff as necessary
Assist with report preparation
Operate SWCA vehicles, assure they will perform safely, and notify appropriate person if vehicle needs maintenance.
Adhere to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
Independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery.
Ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely.
Serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers.
Receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field.
Monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when correction action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.