Staff Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA's Pasadena Natural Resources Program is actively seeking an mid-level biologist to join our multi-disciplinary team in Pasadena, California. This is an on-call, hourly position, and pay will be based on individual qualifications and experience.

In this role you will be expected to perform desktop resource assessments and web-based queries for native species throughout southern and central California. Work will involve utilizing a variety of online tools including ArcGIS Online, Survey123, CNDDB, FWS Critical Habitat Mapper, and Google Earth. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply practical knowledge of California biological resources and habitat to a desktop-based review system. In addition, you will be asked to learn and gain experience with a wide variety of rare species habitat requirements in order complete these reviews. It is anticipated that travel, including overnight stays, will be required for this position. Fieldwork will include travel throughout California. Experience throughout the state is not required as multiple on-calls will be hired to cover a wide range of geographies including the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento Valley, North Bay and Northern California Coast, Sierra Foothills, Central Coast, San Joaquin Valley, Southern California Coast, and Inland Empire including the Mojave Desert.

What you will accomplish

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Conduct biological desktop resources assessment analysis and web-based database queries with an internal tracking database
• Review online biological support websites and mapping tools to assist in vegetation community determination and resource occurrence potential
• Review listed resources habitat requirements and apply this knowledge to develop appropriate compliance measures
• Conduct environmental inspections, wildlife and vegetation baseline studies (including protocol surveys), nesting bird surveys, and general habitat assessments.
• Collect field data, record and identify fauna and flora.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms.
• Photograph and take detailed notes of habitats, species, and landforms. Operate SWCA vehicles safely, including operation of 4-wheel-drive vehicles on rugged, back-country roads.
• Follow industry-leading safety check-in and reporting procedures.
• Communicate effectively with SWCA project managers, construction crews, and other environmental specialists to complete the field work and reporting requirements.
• Understand project environmental requirements and the applicable laws and regulations protecting biological resources.
• Complete desktop analyses, web-based database queries, prepare technical reports describing the methods, results, recommendations, and regulatory background for projects.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team is critical.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field required.
• Knowledge of common and special status state and federal listed California fauna and flora.
• Prior experience with GIS software, GPS units/tablets and ability to use technology for data collection.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, often at high altitudes, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds is required.
• Must enjoy working in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment while working on interesting and challenging projects with tight schedule
• Preferred candidate will have proficiency in MS-Office, MS-Outlook, and Internet/Intranet technologies; ArcGIS, Survey123, Smartsheet and GoogleEarth familiarity a plus
• Able to work independently and collaborate with a variety of colleagues and clients
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
• Report or other writing experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two years or field seasons of experience completing biological surveys, fieldwork, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, and/or construction monitoring.
• Botanical and wetland delineation experience.
• Herpetologists with CRLF, FYLF, CTS, AWS, GGS, San Joaquin Valley lizards and Desert Tortoise.
• Ornithologists with bird identification and nest searching experience; rail, raptor and other birds of prey experience a plus.Invertebrate biologists with vernal pool branchiopods, VELB, etc..

Our Pasadena office offers a unique work environment and specializes in Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Permitting.

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._

SWCA operates in compliance with all federal, state, and local COVID-19 safety protocols and vaccination requirements. As such, employment at SWCA is contingent upon providing proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or being granted an approved vaccination exemption before starting at SWCA.

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

This position is eligible for our wellness paid time off, employee assistance program and wellness program activities.

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Seniority Level

Entry level

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