Assistant Staff Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Staff Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for our San Luis Obispo, CA office.  We are seeking a candidate who wants to work part-time as a temporary status employee and is looking to develop a long-term consulting career that combines high-level technical expertise with commercial acumen and leadership.

Responsibilities may include participating in implementing scientific studies, surveys, natural resource planning, environmental monitoring/ inspections, and preparing a wide variety of technical studies and reports. It is anticipated that a moderate level of travel and variable hours will be required for the position. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications, experience, and employment status.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing,1,500+ staff, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and #GivesBack.

What you will accomplish

• 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 while in the field and resolve issues to assure client needs are met effectively.
• Participate in and/or coordinate biological survey efforts.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools during fieldwork.
• Work closely with SWCA’s other resource scientists and managers in both natural and cultural resources throughout the company to promote SWCA’s business interests in adherence to its mission, vision, and values.

Experience and qualifications for success

• 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.
• Environmental consulting experience is preferred but not required.
• Experience of working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists is preferred but not required.
• Experience in writing technical reports and/or memorandums.
• Possess strong wildlife and plant identification skills; 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.
• 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.

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.

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

An employee in this San Luis Obispo, CA-based position can expect an hourly of $21.53-$27.83_. 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.

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Seniority Level

Associate

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