Temporary Assistant Staff Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding our natural resources team and seeking Temporary Assistant Staff Biologist candidates for upcoming environmental projects involving a range of office and field duties throughout Central California. Candidates located in San Luis Obispo County and surrounding areas are encouraged to apply to support the volume of infrastructure projects in those areas. Work hours may vary seasonally, and depending on project needs and your skills. 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 will be available.

It is anticipated that travel, including overnight stays, may be required for this position. This position may at times also require long or abnormal work hours (early start times, night shifts, weekend work, etc.). Fieldwork will include projects on the Central Coast of California but opportunities to work on projects throughout the state may arise.

The candidate could fill one of our Staff Level roles based on skill and years of relevant experience:

• Assistant Staff Biologists: Typically up to 1 year of experience and expertise
• Staff Biologists: Typically up to 2 years of experience and expertise

This position is temporary, hourly. Pay is dependent on experience.

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.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Conduct environmental inspections, wildlife and vegetation baseline studies (including protocol surveys), nesting bird surveys, wetland assessments, and general habitat 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.
• Working independently and as part of a diverse team is critical.
• Adhering to the safety program and looking out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or a related field preferred.
• At least 1 year or more of experience in biological surveys and construction monitoring. Those with more experience are encouraged to apply.
• Environmental consulting experience is preferred but not required.
• Experience of working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists is preferred but not required.
• Possess strong wildlife and plant identification skills for those species found in San Luis Obispo County and surrounding areas; familiarity with Endangered Species Act, excellent writing skills, and ability to record accurate field notes required.
• Experience or familiarity with wildlife and plant species from either or both Central California and/or the San Joaquin Valley.
• Ability to take initiative, resolve problems, and ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures, and ability to try new, improved techniques.
• Ability to work as member of a team and independently to make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner.
• Prior experience with GIS software, GPS units/tablets 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.

Additional Information:

It is anticipated that low to moderate travel will be required for the position, with field work reaching 85% of your time.

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 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 in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this San Luis Obispo, CA based position can expect an hourly rate of $22-28. 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.

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

#LI-AO1