Staff Level Restoration Ecologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants' Ecological Restoration Group is looking for additional team members to support our growing practice with both field and office work including outdoor labor such as weeding, plant material collection, and plant installation. This position will predominantly require work in the San Diego area and may require occasional travel to complete habitat restoration projects throughout Southern California. This is a great early career opportunity to experience the full life cycle of ecosystem restoration and can grow with you into a long-term career path.

The candidate could fill any of three staff-level roles based on skill and years of relevant experience:

• Ecological Restoration Technician: Typically up to 6 months of relevant survey experience
• Assistant Staff Restoration Ecologist: Typically up to 1 year of experience
• Staff Restoration Ecologist: Typically up to 2 years of experience

What you will accomplish

• Work in a team setting to complete habitat restoration activities such as container plant installation, seed collection and installation, plant propagation by cutting, and removal and control of non-native plant species using mechanical and chemical methods.
• Conduct baseline and construction monitoring including wildlife and vegetation baseline studies.
• Collect field data, record and identify fauna and flora.
• Coordinate with supporting field crews and oversee appropriate identification of target non-native species.
• Work with senior ecologists to performance monitoring through vegetation cover data collection (square, transect and relevé)
• Collect reliable and accurate field data, including identification of fauna and flora to support project monitoring goals.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, species of interest, and associated landforms.
• 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.
• Effectively communicate with other project team members and follow instructions.
• Implement and complete tasks and responsibilities delegated by Field Supervisors in an independent fashion
• Take positive action and accountability for assigned work.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team is critical.
• Learn project environmental requirements and the applicable laws and regulations protecting biological resources.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Natural Resource Management or similar field preferred. Note that extensive existing restoration implementation field experience may be considered as a replacement for this requirement.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in landscaping or ecological restoration construction
• Experience with field-based scientific data collection and attention to detail.
• Must have experience with accurate data collection procedures and data entry QA/QC.
• Familiarity with Southern California flora and fauna and wetland experience a plus.
• Familiarity with native and invasive flora and fauna as well as management techniques.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
• Ability to identify target non-native flora, treatment approach, and perform herbicide application.
• 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.
• Experience at working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential.
• Effectively conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong interpersonal skills
• California Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC)

Preferred:

• Direct work experience in a landscaping/construction capacity, as normally acquired from one (1) to three (3) years of industry experience.
• California Applicator License (QAL)
• OSHA 10- or 40-hour certification

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 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 San Diego-based position as an Ecological Restoration Technician can expect an hourly pay rate of $21.38 - $27.36/hour, Assistant Staff Restoration Ecologist an hourly pay rate of $23.63 - $30.38/hour and a Staff Restoration Ecologist an hourly pay rate of $26.44–$33.75/hour.  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.

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

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