Staff Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for an oil/gas client.  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 Senior Environmental Planner out of our Durango office. The preferred location for this candidate is Farmington, NM but the candidate can also reside in Durango, CO. 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

• Assist or lead natural resources field studies and reconnaissance work; especially for vegetation and rare plant surveys and wildlife habitat assessments
• Record data on GPS units and field site forms or other forms
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms
• Support completion of relevant oil/gas permitting forms
• Learn and perform basic project management activities (e.g., budget management, scope and schedule management, client interface, technical document preparation, etc.)
• Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and landforms
• Operate SWCA vehicles. Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads
• Assist project managers in data organization, interpretation, and report preparation as needed
• Adhere to 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, Natural Resource Management, or related life sciences field.
• Minimum of two (2) years relevant industry experience from the private or public sectors
• Knowledge of southwestern flora and fauna preferred.  Experience with vegetation surveys is preferred.
• Experience with the oil/gas industry and permitting experience is a plus
• Flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures.
• Ability to try new, innovative techniques, and to make independent decisions when appropriate to the situation or make adjustments as a member of a team in order to complete tasks in the most efficient and accurate manner.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

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.

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 $23.00 and $27.00 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.

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Seniority Level

Associate

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