Lead Biologist - Natural Resources (On Call)

SWCA is expanding our natural resources team and seeking an on-call Lead Biologist to support a variety of environmental projects involving a range of field and office duties. Work hours will vary depending on project needs. On-call staff are requested for work as it becomes available and are free to accept or refuse the work based on their schedule. As our Natural Resources team continues to grow, additional opportunities for advancement and/or transition to a regular, full-time position may be available.

Travel, including overnight stays, may be required for this position. Fieldwork will primarily be located in the southern California region.

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 and will carefully consider each submission.

• Conduct wildlife and vegetation baseline studies, nesting bird surveys, and biological evaluations and assessments.
• Collect field data, record and identify fauna and flora.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms.
• 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. Communicate effectively with SWCA project managers, construction crews, and other environmental specialists to complete the field work and reporting requirements.
• Understand project environmental requirements and the applicable laws and regulations protecting biological resources.
• Complete desktop analyses, web-based database queries, prepare technical reports describing the methods, results, recommendations, and regulatory background for projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field required
• Knowledge of common and special status California fauna is required and experience working throughout southern California ecosystems
• Prior experience with GIS software (ArcPad) and Trimble GPS units and ability to use technology for data collection
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, often at high altitudes, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds is required
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Word and Excel
• Report or other writing experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years or field seasons of experience completing biological surveys, fieldwork, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, and/or construction monitoring; experience with southern California species and habitats,
• 10(a) 1(a) permits for various wildlife surveys is a plus, and/or

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 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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

An employee in this San Diego,CA-based position can expect a rate of $43.88/hour to $57.33/hour.

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

This position is eligible for our wellness paid time off, employee assistance program and wellness program activities.

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