Project-Level Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project-Level Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for our Bismarck, North Dakota 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, full-time, regular position, reporting to SWCA’s Natural Resources Team Lead out of our Bismarck, ND office. The position can be remote and candidates in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota are encouraged to apply.

We are considering candidates at the below levels of positions, based on relevant years of experience to the role:

• Associate Project Biologist – min. 5 years’ experience
• Project Biologist – min. 7 years’ experience

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an employee-owned company of environmental professionals who specialize in environmental planning, natural and cultural resource management, and regulatory compliance. Our company purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today.

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 the Minnesota/Dakotas 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 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

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field required.
• A minimum of five (5) 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 qualifications:

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys and resource management, in either the public or private sector.
• 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.

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 Bismarck, ND-based position can expect a compensation of:

Associate Project Biologist - $30.00 - $38.50/hourly

Project Biologist - $68,640.00 - $88,400.00/annually

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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