Staff Level Biologist -Monitor

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Santa Cruz, CA

3d•$26 - $37

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is hiring a full-time, regular, hourly/non-exempt Staff-Level Biologist - Monitor for its Natural Resources team, supporting environmental and construction-related projects in and around Monterey and the Bay Area. The role provides biological monitoring and construction compliance support, with significant field presence as project needs require. Work schedules vary based on project needs, construction activities, seasonal considerations, and monitoring requirements. The role works with multidisciplinary project teams and supports compliance with project requirements and environmental commitments. The requisition may be filled at the Assistant Staff Biologist level, typically requiring one year of relevant industry experience, or Staff Biologist level, typically requiring up to two years of relevant industry experience. Depending on project assignments, the position may lead field survey crews by directing daily activities, promoting safe and productive work practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback. The position involves gathering and documenting field data, preparing written summaries for technical reports and planning documents, coordinating with stakeholders, and following applicable safety, quality, regulatory, contractual, and company procedures. Fieldwork includes environmental compliance inspections, stormwater inspections, biological monitoring, nesting bird surveys, biological evaluations and assessments, and related surveys. Employees regularly work outdoors, hike over uneven terrain, carry equipment, and work in varying or extreme weather conditions. The expected hourly pay ranges are $25.58–$33.07 for Assistant Staff Biologist and $28.70–$37.44 for Staff Biologist. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may receive performance-based bonuses. The company offers an employee ownership plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field; the minimum qualifications also describe knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree.
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 domestic travel, including possible commercial air travel.
Ability to hike over uneven terrain, lift and carry equipment weighing 25–50 pounds, and work outdoors 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.
Equivalent combinations of experience, performance, training, and/or education may satisfy the stated minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

Collect, manage, analyze, and summarize data in the field, lab, 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, regulatory representatives, CPUC third-party monitors, client representatives, contractor personnel, and environmental compliance staff.
Interpret and apply project environmental requirements identified 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 field safety check-in, communication, and reporting procedures.
As assigned, 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.
Perform related work as assigned.