Project Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for our Albuquerque, NM or Durango, CO office.  We are seeking a candidate who is looking to develop or continue a long-term consulting career that combines high-level technical expertise, strong writing skills, business acumen and the potential for leadership. Responsibilities may include managing projects, writing technical reports, participating in field surveys, natural resource planning, and coordinating with a multi-disciplinary team. It is anticipated that low to moderate travel will be required for the position.

This is a permanent, hourly, full-time, regular position, reporting to SWCA’s Lead Environmental Planner out of our Albuquerque office. The position will can be located in either our Albuquerque, NM office or our Durango, CO office  Hybrid work environments are available.

Our Vision (the North Star)****:  Help drive SWCA to be 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.

Core Values**:** We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle and we #GiveBack. We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals that are committed to our culture.

Purpose**:** Our company purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today. You are invited to be a part of our success story.

What you will accomplish

• Develop project management and technical lead skills on a variety of biological resource projects.
• Conduct a variety of natural resources studies including threatened/endangered species assessments, environmental assessments, and biological reports and evaluations documentation.
• Organize, review, and transfer field data, and write technical reports and permit applications and subject matter expert review related to Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, local municipal and county regulations, and other resource planning/permitting relevant in New Mexico and the general region.  Report writing may reach 75% of the position's required time commitment.
• Prepare reports and permit documents as the primary author and conduct quality assurance/quality control for a variety of renewable energy project types and sizes.
• Work closely with a project team to complete biological resource management tasks.
• Take initiative and resolve issues in an independent manner.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities; and,
• Work closely with SWCA’s other resource scientists, planners, on natural and cultural resource projects throughout the company.

Experience and qualifications for success

Required

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field required.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys and resource management, in either the public or private sector.
• Experience working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
• Proficiency in writing natural resources technical reports -- these may include those related to the Endangered Species Act; the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act; and/or other biological requirements.

Preferred

• Experience in managing projects with a variety of different clients in the transmission, generation, transportation, or land development sectors.
• Experience in preparing reports and permits as primary author for a variety of projects.
• Demonstrated business development success, including proposal writing, budget development, and client interaction.
• Ability to work as member of a team and independently to make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner.
• Willingness to learn and grow into increased project-management and supervisorial responsibilities.

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 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

In accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (EPEWA), we are disclosing a good faith estimate of the compensation range for roles that will be, or could be, performed in Colorado.

In Colorado, an employee in this position can expect an hourly rate between $33.65 and $40.87, depending on experience, geographic locations, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.

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

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

Seniority Level

Associate

Not ready to apply? Connect with us for general consideration.