Staff Level Biologist- Temporary

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Salt Lake City, UT

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking Temporary Staff-Level Biologists with expertise in botany, wildlife biology, wetland ecology, avian, and/or environmental science to join their Salt Lake City office. These temporary, hourly positions will support various natural resources projects and field efforts across Utah and the Intermountain West. The role requires working outdoors, either independently or as part of a team, for 40 or more hours per week, including travel, with flexible scheduling based on project and client needs. Applicants must be willing to undergo drug and alcohol screening for certain projects. The position can be filled at three levels: Natural Resources Technician (a few months experience), Assistant Staff Biologist (up to one year experience), or Staff Biologist (up to two years experience). SWCA is an employee-owned firm committed to sustainability, sound science, and creative solutions to environmental challenges. The company values collaboration, continuous learning, giving back, and aims to preserve natural and cultural resources while enabling projects that benefit people.

Requirements

Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Natural Resource Management field preferred
A minimum of 6 months' experience with field-based natural resources scientific data collection and attention to detail
Experience with accurate natural resources data collection procedures and data QA/QC
Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365, ArcGIS, and other software suites
Valid driver's license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements
Ability to drive a 4-wheel-drive vehicle on rugged, back-country roads
Ability to work long days outdoors for extended periods of time (up to 14 days) in a safe and productive manner
Ability to maintain a positive attitude while working closely with a small team in a dynamic work environment
Ability to travel and work remotely as required
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team with excellent team collaboration skills
Excellent communication and organizational skills

Nice To Haves

Candidates local to Utah (or neighboring states) familiar with flora and fauna of Utah, conducting field surveys, and 4x4 truck, ATV, and trailer towing experience are strongly preferred
Familiarity with Intermountain West flora and fauna; botany and/or wetland delineation experience a plus

Responsibilities

Follow established scientific protocols to conduct wildlife, vegetation, and wetland field surveys, complete environmental inspections, wildlife and vegetation baseline studies, habitat assessments, noxious weed mapping, stormwater inspections, and reclamation monitoring
Assist with tasks to collect and/or manage natural resources and wetland data in the field or office, ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and verifiability
Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other mapping tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, species of interest, and associated landforms
Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and geographic landforms relative to suitable habitat requirements and ecological classifications
Operate SWCA vehicles, ensure their safe performance, and report maintenance needs
Perform all work with a focus on safety in a remote field setting for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and at high altitudes, including carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds and walking up to 12 miles per day
Communicate frequently and openly with team members and supervisors to ensure task objectives and methods are understood, progress is shared, and questions/needs are addressed
Work on projects including electrical transmission, renewable generation (wind, solar, geothermal), oil and gas development, transmission/pipelines, transportation, mining, and state/federal agency clients
Adhere to SWCA’s safety program and mitigate safety hazards
For Assistant Staff Biologist and Staff Biologist positions, supervise a small crew during environmental fieldwork, including assigning and directing activities, ensuring understanding of responsibilities, serving as a communication conduit, resolving complaints, and monitoring productivity and performance