Lead Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead Level Biologist, Botanist, or Wetland Scientist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for our southern California Pasadena office. This Natural Resources position offers the opportunity to work on projects with SWCA’s six other California offices and across the West.

The ideal candidate is interested in developing a long-term consulting career that combines high-level technical expertise with business acumen and leadership. Responsibilities may include developing and implementing large-scale data-gathering efforts, leading survey and technical assessment efforts, natural resource planning, staff coordination, project management, and business development. An important aspect of the work will involve staff mentorship and senior technical review of reports.

The Lead Level Biologist/ Botanist/ Wetland Scientist may be given an opportunity to participate in SWCA’s Scientific Leadership Program, which allows top subject experts to be recognized and rewarded for distinguished research, productivity and intellectual acumen, to make regular contributions to corporate strategies, and provide input to multiple levels of the company.

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, the Pasadena office offers a unique work environment specializing in natural resources, cultural resources, and permitting.

This is a regular, full-time, salaried position. 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).

What you will accomplish

• Work closely with a project team to develop innovative approaches to resource assessment tasks that meet client needs and endure agency and public scrutiny.
• Take initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are met effectively.
• Lead biological technical assessment and survey efforts including preparing and providing peer review for technical reports and environmental permits such as biological resource assessments and constraints analyses, state and federal endangered species act consultations, Clean Water Act Section 404/401 permitting, and Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements).
• Conduct science-based assessmentsand analyze data.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide project technical support to staff-level biologists and field staff.
• Serve as project manager or technical lead on a variety of resource management planning projects.
• Manage small and large projects, including maintaining budgets, schedules, and quality of service.
• Work with Corporate accounting department to review invoices, expenditures, and project audits for projects/tasks.
• Work closely with SWCA’s resource scientists and environmental planners, managers, and directors in both natural and cultural resources throughout the company to promote SWCA’s business interests in adherence to its mission, vision, and values.
• Implement and administer SWCA’s safety procedures and standards of scientific and professional ethics.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience planning, managing projects, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in environmental consulting.
• Working knowledge of Southern California natural resources.
• The ideal candidate will also have strong botany and wildlife identification knowledge and skills.
• 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).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or providing project technical support to staff-level biologists and field staff.
• Master's degree in a related field.
• Prior experience delineating jurisdictional waters, preparing aquatic resources delineation reports and permit applications.
• Listed Vernal Pool Invertebrate Section 10(a)(1)(a) or other special status species permits a plus.

Additional Information:

• Ability to work as member of a team and independently to make decisions and complete tasks in an effective collaborative manner.
• Able to multi-task, prioritize, track work progress across multiple projects.
• Ability to take initiative, resolve problems and ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• Effectively discuss technical concepts to non-specialist clients and the public.
• Able to work independently and collaborate with a variety of colleagues, clients, and agency representatives.
• Must possess a commitment to quality on projects of all sizes and scopes.
• Exceptional technical writing skills with a record of completing technical reports and other deliverables on time and within budget.

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 application process, please email accomodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

SWCA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

Employees in this position are eligible for consideration for SWCA’s annual bonus program, which provides awards based on individual and organizational performance. To review additional benefits associated with this position, click here: https://www.swca.com/careers/totalrewards/benefits

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Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

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