Associate Project Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a full-time Associate Project Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for our Great Basin sub-region. We are seeking a candidate who is looking to develop or continue a long-term consulting career that combines high-level technical expertise, business acumen and the potential for leadership. Responsibilities will include developing and implementing scientific studies, leading surveys, natural resource planning, staff coordination, project management support, and business development support. An important aspect of the work will involve conducting aquatic and biological resource surveys and preparing technical reports and regulatory agency permit applications. It is anticipated that moderate travel will be required for the position and seasonal fieldwork will account for up to 50% of the successful candidate's time. This position is a regular, full-time salary position. Pay rate will be competitive, based on individual qualifications and experience.

Our Natural Resources program works on diverse natural resources related projects across many business lines, including oil and gas, renewable energies, utilities, infrastructure, transportation, habitat restoration, and mining. In addition, our Salt Lake City office offers a unique work environment and specializes in natural resources, permitting and planning, water resources, and cultural resources.

This is a regular (with benefits), full-time, hourly position. The position is based out of our Salt Lake City, UT office, with hybrid work environments being encouraged. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and experience. SWCA offers a team-oriented work environment, competitive salaries, and a competitive benefits package, including an employee stock ownership retirement plan (ESOP).

The ability to pass a drug screening is REQUIRED.

Application deadline: The position will be open for applicants until March 14, 2025.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 1,700 staff, 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.

Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA 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. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.

Come join our team!

• May serve as project manager or deputy project manager for a variety of small, mid-sized, or large resource management and natural resources projects.
• Work closely with a project team to develop innovative approaches to resource assessment that meet client needs and can withstand agency and public scrutiny.
• Take initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are addressed.
• Coordinate and/or lead biological survey efforts.
• Serve as project manager/assistant project manager on a variety of biological resource projects and interdisciplinary projects.
• Complete desktop analyses, web-based database queries, prepare and provide peer review of technical reports describing the methods, results, recommendations, and regulatory background for projects.
• Work closely with SWCA's other resource scientists, planners, on natural and cultural resource projects throughout the company.
• 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.
• Conduct a variety of surveys, including aquatic resources delineations, habitat assessments, inventory surveys, special-status plant and wildlife surveys, vegetation community mapping, and stormwater inspections. Conduct routine QC of field data. 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.
• Use GPS units, and other maps and tools during fieldwork.
• Assist with identifying and pursuing new business opportunities
• Take responsibility for team safety, develop safety plans (when applicable), and anticipate potential safety hazards.

Required

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field required.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys and resource management in either the public or private sector.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce high quality written reports.
• Experience of working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
• Must have reliable transportation to get to and from client sites.
• Working knowledge of the natural resources found in the Great Basin.
• Strong plant and/or wildlife identification skills.
• Extensive working knowledge of natural resource federal and state laws (e.g., NEPA, ESA, CWA) governing natural resource management.

Preferred

• Three or more years of experience in environmental consulting or within agencies.
• Experience in reviewing technical reports.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead natural resources staff.
• Experience working alongside and coordinating with subcontractors and ensuring technical excellence.
• Experience conducting wetlands/waters delineation.
• Business development and client management experience.

Skills, Knowledge and Attributes

• Ability to take initiative, resolve problems and ensure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• 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.
• Ability to promote SWCAs services internally and externally.

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.

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.

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 Salt Lake City, UT-based position can expect an hourly rate of $31.20/hour/year to $40.04/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. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA's continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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