Staff Level Biologist -Monitor

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Monterey, CA

1d•$26 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is hiring a Staff-Level Biologist - Monitor for its Natural Resources team, supporting projects in and around Monterey and the Bay Area. The role provides biological monitoring and environmental compliance support for environmental and construction-related projects. It involves fieldwork, documenting observations, communicating monitoring results, and coordinating with project teams to meet project requirements and environmental commitments. The position is full-time, regular, hourly/non-exempt, with benefits. Work schedules vary according to project needs, construction activities, seasonal considerations, and monitoring requirements. Significant field presence may be required throughout the region. Depending on assignments, the role may lead field survey crews by directing daily work, promoting safe and productive practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback. The requisition may be filled at the Assistant Staff Biologist level, typically for candidates with one year of relevant industry experience, or Staff Biologist level, typically for candidates with up to two years of relevant industry experience. The position is based in Half Moon Bay, California, and may require domestic travel, including commercial air travel and overnight stays in company-provided lodging.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
At least one year of experience conducting biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, construction monitoring, or related fieldwork.
Knowledge of California flora, fauna, habitats, and environmental regulations.
Experience conducting wildlife surveys and biological monitoring, including nesting bird surveys.
Ability to use GPS units, mobile data collection applications, and other field technology.
Strong communication, organizational, and technical writing skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
Ability to travel to project sites and perform extended fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions, including carrying field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
Valid driver's license and ability to meet SWCA's driver requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel.
Ability to hike over uneven terrain, lift and carry equipment weighing 25–50 pounds, and work in varying or extreme weather conditions.
Ability to follow safety procedures while potentially exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of related experience.
Experience conducting biological monitoring on construction, restoration, or infrastructure projects.
Experience with habitat assessments, wetland delineations, vegetation surveys, and special-status species surveys.
Familiarity with special-status species and habitats found in coastal California and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Experience using GIS software and GPS-enabled field data collection tools.
Experience preparing technical reports, monitoring documentation, and environmental compliance reports.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspection experience and knowledge of erosion and sediment control practices.
Willingness to work flexible and variable schedules, including early mornings and extended field days.
Ability and willingness to travel for field assignments, including overnight stays in company-provided lodging.
Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree, with demonstrated awareness and interest in one or more technical areas.
Two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

Responsibilities

Collect, manage, analyze, and summarize data in the field, laboratory, or office, ensuring findings are accurate, complete, and verifiable.
Draft written summaries of task activities for technical reports and planning documents, including tables, text, and graphics as appropriate.
Support coordination with landowners, clients, agency staff, and other stakeholders.
Communicate with team members and supervisors about task objectives, methods, progress, questions, and needs.
Follow directions, safety and quality protocols, established procedures, and applicable regulations, standards, and specifications.
Coordinate field activities with project managers, construction crews, environmental specialists, and regulatory representatives.
Coordinate with CPUC third-party monitors, client representatives, construction contractor personnel, and environmental compliance staff.
Interpret and apply environmental requirements in CEQA documentation, including Mitigated Negative Declarations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs.
Coordinate and schedule pre-construction surveys and environmental monitoring activities.
Conduct environmental compliance and stormwater inspections, biological monitoring, nesting bird surveys, and biological evaluations and assessments.
Collect, identify, and document biological resources, including fauna and flora, using established field methodologies.
Use GPS units, topographic maps, aerial imagery, and other mapping tools to identify project locations, habitat types, and landforms.
Document field observations with photographs and detailed records of habitats, species, landforms, and environmental conditions.
Support compliance with project permits, mitigation measures, conditions of approval, and applicable environmental plans.
Follow established field safety check-in, communication, and reporting procedures.
Depending on project assignments, lead field survey crews, direct daily work, promote safe and productive practices, communicate issues to management, and provide performance-related feedback.
Perform related work as assigned.