Project Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Biologist with experience in natural resources survey implementation and product delivery for our Flagstaff, Arizona office.  We are seeking a candidate who is looking to develop or continue a long-term consulting career that combines high-level technical expertise, business acumen and the potential for leadership. Responsibilities may include participating in field surveys, study design, natural resource planning, managing and analyzing data, writing technical reports, coordinating with a multi-disciplinary team, and presenting findings to various audiences. It is anticipated that low to moderate travel will be required for the position.

This is a permanent full-time, temporary position, reporting to one of SWCA’s Project Managers out of our Flagstaff, Arizona office. The position will be located in our Flagstaff office or may be filled remotely for the ideal candidate.

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 Arizona and the general region.
• 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.
• Provide subject matter expert review for reporting, technical analyses, and agency and client coordination.

Experience and qualifications for success

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of a master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field required.
• Three to seven years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys and resource management in either the public, private, or academic sector.
• Experience of working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
• Experience in writing technical reports related to the Endangered Species Act and other biological requirements.
• 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.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in preparing reports and permits as primary author for variety of renewable energy project types and sizes and demonstrated business development success, including proposal writing, budget development, and client interaction.
• Demonstrated technical acumen specific to wind and solar project preconstruction and postconstruction avian use, bat acoustics, and fatality monitoring.

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.

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

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 Flagstaff, AZ based position can expect an annual salary of $68,640.00–$88,400.00/year. 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.

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

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