Biologist Jobs

About The Position

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 adhere to the safety program, look out for others' safety, and promptly communicate and mitigate hazards.
• Ability to hike over uneven terrain, lift and carry equipment weighing 25–50 pounds, and work in varying or extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work safely around vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of 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.
• 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, 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.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, including landowners, clients, agency staff, construction crews, project managers, environmental specialists, and regulatory representatives.
• 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 to support environmental compliance objectives and project requirements.
• Work with CPUC third-party monitors, client representatives, construction contractor personnel, and environmental compliance staff to coordinate field efforts.
• 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 inspections, stormwater inspections, biological monitoring, nesting bird surveys, and biological evaluations and assessments.
• Collect, identify, and document 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.
• Record field observations with photographs and detailed documentation 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.
• When assigned, 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.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) with profit sharing
• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Eligible employees may receive performance-based bonuses