Staff Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff Biologist to support natural resources projects in Texas and surrounding states as part of the Austin Natural Resources team. The role supports clients in renewable generation, transmission, oil and gas, transportation, land development, and water infrastructure. Work is expected to be approximately 80% fieldwork, including travel, and 20% office work. The position is based in the Austin, Texas office, with hybrid work environments encouraged. It is a regular, full-time, hourly/non-exempt position with benefits and reports into the Austin office. The Staff Biologist collects, manages, analyzes, and summarizes data in the field, lab, or office; drafts summaries and technical report or planning document sections; supports stakeholder coordination; and assists with environmental or regulatory presentations and publications under supervision. Field assignments may include wetland delineations, wildlife habitat assessments, acoustical monitoring, avian point counts, and vegetation surveys. The role may lead field crews or assist crew leaders, and may involve independently directing daily field activities and providing feedback to management. The position also assists with permit applications and records field data and photographs using ESRI applications. The work requires long hours outdoors, sometimes in inclement or extreme weather and rugged terrain, and frequent travel that may include weekends and trips lasting several days or weeks. Employees must follow safety procedures and applicable regulations and be able to carry field equipment and supplies. Domestic travel, including commercial air travel, may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
At least one year of relevant natural resources field experience (professional experience).
Knowledge of flora and fauna in Texas and surrounding states.
Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
Ability to travel to field locations and work long hours, sometimes in inclement weather and rugged terrain.
Ability to meet frequent travel requirements, including weekends; fieldwork may reach 80% of work time.
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 throughout employment.
Ability to hike over uneven terrain and lift and carry equipment weighing 25–50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors in varying or extreme weather and follow required safety procedures when exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, and sharp or heavy tools.
Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree and one year of relevant, progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and education.

Nice To Haves

Three years of relevant natural resources field experience.
Experience conducting wildlife and botanical surveys.
Experience conducting aquatic resources delineations.
Experience preparing nationwide permit preconstruction notifications.
Wetland Professional In Training (WPIT) or Associate Wildlife Biologist (AWB) certification.
Experience collecting field data on tablets using ESRI applications such as Field Maps and Survey123.
Working knowledge of wetland and riparian plant identification, wetland soils, and wetland hydrology indicators.

Responsibilities

Collect, manage, analyze, and summarize data in the field, lab, or office, ensuring that data and findings are accurate, complete, and verifiable.
Draft written summaries of task activities and sections of technical reports and planning documents, including tables, text, and graphics as appropriate.
Support coordination with landowners, clients, agency staff, and other stakeholders.
Assist with presenting and publishing environmental or regulatory topics under supervision.
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.
Lead field crews or assist crew leaders with natural resources studies, including wetland delineations, wildlife habitat assessments, acoustical monitoring, avian point counts, and vegetation surveys.
Assist in preparing permit applications for local, federal, and state agencies under supervision.
Record field data and photograph habitats, species, and aquatic resources using ESRI applications such as Field Maps and Survey123.
Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, ArcGIS, and related tools to locate project areas, habitat types, and aquatic resources.
Operate SWCA vehicles, including four-wheel-drive vehicles on rugged backcountry roads.
Adhere to the safety program, look out for others' safety, and promptly communicate and mitigate safety hazards.
Perform related work as assigned.