Lead, Senior, or Principal Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead, Senior, or Principal Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for our Half Moon Bay, CA office. We are looking for a candidate who is developing or continuing a long-term consulting career that combines high-level technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership potential.

About the Role

This is a regular, full-time, salaried position that can be worked in a hybrid or remote capacity. The role involves project management, business development, natural resource planning, leading surveys, staff coordination, mentorship, and technical review of reports.

Responsibilities

• Serve as project manager or technical lead on a variety of biological resource projects.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Take initiative and resolve issues to address client needs.
• Coordinate and/or lead biological survey and reporting efforts, including jurisdictional waters permitting.
• Work closely with SWCA’s other resource scientists, planners, and teams on natural and cultural resource projects.
• Develop innovative approaches to resource assessment that meet client needs and withstand agency and public scrutiny.
• Drive compliance with safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure team safety.
• Mentor staff and perform technical reviews of reports.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field (Master's degree highly desired).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in biological surveys and resource management in the public or private sector.
• Experience working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
• Experience managing subcontractors and ensuring technical excellence.
• Strong wildlife and/or plant identification skills.
• Familiarity with the federal and state Endangered Species Act, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and jurisdictional waters permitting.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to grow into increased project-management and supervisory responsibilities.

Pay

• Lead Biologist: $97,344 to $127,196/year
• Senior Biologist: $111,621 to $145,367/year
• Principal Biologist: $127,196 to $166,133/year

Actual pay within these ranges may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and benefits package.
• Employee Stock Ownership Retirement Plan (ESOP).
• Workplace flexibility.
• Career development programs, including award-winning Career Landscape support resources.
• Inclusive and supportive corporate culture.

For more details, visit SWCA’s Total Rewards package.

About SWCA

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. Our purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today.

We value collaboration, learning, and giving back to our communities. Our culture is built on sustainability, environmental awareness, and professional growth.