Associate Project Biologist - SWCA Environmental Consultants

About the opportunity:

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a full-time Associate or Project Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for our Northern California Region. We are seeking a candidate who is looking to develop or continue a long-term consulting career that combines high-level technical expertise, business acumen and the potential for leadership. Candidates located in the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento areas are encouraged to apply to support the volume of projects in those areas. Responsibilities will include developing and implementing scientific studies, leading surveys, natural resource planning, staff coordination, project management, and business development. An important aspect of the work will involve managing projects and technical studies, conducting aquatic and biological resource surveys, and preparing technical reports and regulatory agency permit applications.

 

The Associate/Project Biologist will have the opportunity to join SWCA’s scientific leadership program, which allows top subject experts to be recognized and rewarded for distinguished productivity and intellectual acumen, to make regular contributions to corporate strategies, and provide input to all levels of the company. It is anticipated that moderate travel will be required for the position. This position is a regular, full-time salary position. Pay rate will be competitive, based on individual qualifications and experience. 

 

Our Natural Resources program works on diverse natural resources related projects across many business lines, including renewable energies, utilities, infrastructure, transportation, habitat restoration, and mitigation banking. In addition, our Bay Area and Sacramento offices offer a unique work environment and specialize in natural resources, cultural resources, and permitting.

 

This is a regular, full-time, salaried position. The position can be based out of our Bay Area or Sacramento office, including in a hybrid work environment.  Highly qualified, remote employees based in Northern California will also be seriously considered. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and experience. SWCA offers a team-oriented work environment, competitive salaries, and a competitive benefits package, including an employee stock ownership retirement plan (ESOP).

 

Individuals under this job requisition can be hired at either of the two levels:

• Associate Project Biologist: Typically with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience and expertise.
• Project Biologist: Typically with at least 7 years of relevant industry experience and expertise.

 

 

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants.

What you will accomplish:

• Serve as project manager or deputy project manager for a variety of small, mid-sized, or large resource management and conservation planning projects.
• Work closely with a project team to develop innovative approaches to resource assessment that meet client needs and can withstand agency and public scrutiny.
• Take initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are addressed.
• Coordinate and/or lead biological survey efforts.
• Serve as technical lead or project manager/assistant project manager on a variety of biological resource projects and interdisciplinary projects.
• Complete desktop analyses, web-based database queries, prepare and provide peer review of technical reports describing the methods, results, recommendations, and regulatory background for projects.
• Work closely with SWCA’s other resource scientists, planners, on natural and cultural resource projects throughout the company.
• Communicate effectively with SWCA project managers, construction crews, and other environmental specialists to complete the field work and reporting requirements.
• Work with Corporate accounting department to review invoices, expenditures and project audits for projects/tasks
• Understand project environmental requirements and the applicable laws and regulations protecting biological resources.
• Photograph and take detailed notes of habitats, species, and landforms. Operate SWCA vehicles safely, including operation of 4-wheel-drive vehicles on rugged, back-country roads.
• Follow industry-leading safety check-in and reporting procedures.
• Use GPS units, and other maps and tools during fieldwork.
• Assist with identifying and pursuing new business opportunities

Experience and qualifications for success:

Required

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field required.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys and resource management in either the public or private sector.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce high quality written reports
• Experience of working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license, with the ability to drive multiple types of vehicles, trucks, and 4x4’s
• Working knowledge of Northern California natural resources.
• Strong wildlife and/or plant identification skills
• Extensive working knowledge of natural resource federal and state laws (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, ESA, CESA, ESA) governing natural resource management.
• Experience with CEQA / NEPA and environmental permitting (e.g., CWA Sec 404/401, CDFW LSAA and ITP, Section 7 ESA with USFWS and/or NOAA Fisheries).
• Ability to take initiative, resolve problems and ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• Ability to work as member of a team and independently to make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner. Willingness to learn and grow into increased project-management and supervisorial responsibilities.

Preferred

• Master's degree highly desired.
• Three or more years of experience in environmental consulting or within agencies
• Experience in reviewing technical reports.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead natural resources staff.
• Experience working alongside and coordinating with subcontractors and ensuring technical excellence.
• Experience conducting wetlands/waters delineation.
• Ability to promote SWCAs services internally and externally.
• Business development and client management experience.

 

 

We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals that are committed to our culture.

 

Purpose: Our company purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today. You are invited to be a part of our success story.

 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. 

 

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response. 

 

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

 

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

 

An employee in this Northern, CA-based position can expect a salary of $74,880k-96,096k/year for the Associate Project Biologist role and an annual salary of $82,368k-$106,080k/year for the Project Biologist. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.  Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

 

At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

 

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

 

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