Staff Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA's Pasadena Natural Resources Program is actively seeking a biologist with botanical survey experience and an interest in aquatic resource and wetland delineation to join our multi-disciplinary team in Pasadena, California. In this role you will perform rare plant surveys, vegetation community mapping, wetland delineation sampling, as well as grow into leading and managing larger field efforts including leading aquatic resource delineations, work with other technical staff, complete permit applications for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and produce high-quality reports and documentation for a variety of public and private sector clients and projects. As an integral member of SWCA’s Natural Resources Group, you will collaborate and work among peers, and learn aspects of project management, scoping, and budgeting proposals. Work will be done both in and out of the office throughout southern and central California, and in varying field conditions including the desert environment.

This is a regular, full-time hourly position, and pay will be based on individual qualifications and experience. Our Pasadena office offers a unique work environment and specializes in Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Permitting. In your role, you would assist or lead the following tasks:

What you will accomplish

• Conduct rare plant surveys and Critical Habitat suitability assessments.
• Conduct field work related to streams and wetlands including: delineations, jurisdictional determinations, vegetation community mapping, and functional assessments.
• Lead and manage field teams.
• Prepare and review technical documents, including permitting documentation, wetland determination and delineation reports, mitigation plans, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) supporting documentation and relevant sections.
• Assist with proposal scope and budgets.
• Coordinate agency review of aquatic resource permit applications.
• Work as a task lead as part of a multi-disciplinary team on larger-scale projects.
• Manage budgets and deliverables for both small and large projects.

Experience and qualifications for success

Qualifications recommended:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or closely related field.
• At least one year of field experience as a biologist.
• Experience as a botanist (or similar discipline) in consulting or a similar work environment.
• Ability to identify California vascular flora to species level using appropriate and relevant accepted resources.
• Experience conducting field delineations of waters of the U.S., waters of the State, and CDFW streambed a plus.
• Understanding of permitting and mitigation requirements for Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, State Water Board, and CDFW a plus.
• Excellent verbal, written, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions and walk up to 10 miles per day, including travel throughout California, and possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Able 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.

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

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

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Seniority Level

Associate

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