Avian Biologist

About the opportunity

Are you interested in environmental consulting services? Do you enjoy working outside and thrive in the pursuit of ensuring excellent data collection, team collaboration, and services provided to clients? Are you looking for an opportunity to start and grow your environmental consulting career? SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to join our Austin, TX team as an Avian Biologist (HR Title = Staff Biologist).

The Avian Biologist will be a primarily field-based role, working on project site locations throughout Texas. We are looking for someone who is following their passion, gaining valuable field experience, and dedicated to delivering the highest-quality project work.

This position requires an educational and experienced background in biology, ornithology, ecology, or a related field. This primarily field-based position takes place in an outdoor environment, often remote, where the climate, weather, and terrain that can be demanding.

This position will be a regular, full time, field-based position conducting biological surveys. The position may involve an irregular schedule and extended hours. It is anticipated that nearly 75% travel, including overnight and weekend stays, will be required. Hotel rooms, a field truck, per diem, and other supplies will be provided during field work deployments.

What you will accomplish

• Conduct avian surveys and other biological field studies
• 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 record appropriate habitat, species, and landforms
• Prepare and review reports and/or contribute to report sections
• Operate SWCA vehicles. Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle, all-terrain vehicle/utility task vehicle (ATV/UTV)on rugged, backcountry roads
• Work both independently and as a member of a team
• Take initiative, resolve problems, and communicate with team members to ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field preferred but not required. Coursework in ornithology, zoology, and/or field ecology strongly preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of bird survey experience required
• Ability to correctly identify birds of Texas required
• Ability to identify avian species visually and auditorily required.
• Previous experience with avian and wildlife field-based surveys preferred.
• Ability to record accurate field notes and communicate effectively with field leads and the project management team required.
• Ability to use digital tablet for GPS navigation and recording of field data required.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions, walk up to 10 miles per day, often in rugged terrain, and carry equipment and/or supplies, weighing up to 40 pounds required.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads required.
• Ability to drive or learn to drive ATVs, UTVS, and other off-road vehicles and haul trailers required.
• Must have excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Must have ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
• Must have ability to take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to assure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• Ability to work as member of a team and individually to make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner required.
• Ability to travel to project site 75% of the 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 on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Austin, TX office -based position can expect a salary of $24.15 – $31.50/hr. 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.

#LI-JR1