Staff Level Biologist - Natural Resources (On Call - Variable Hours)

SWCA is expanding our natural resources team and seeking On Call Assistant/Staff Biologist candidates for upcoming environmental projects in California’s Central Coast area. This temporary, hourly position involves a range of office and field duties, with work hours varying seasonally based on project needs and your skills. On-call staff are requested for work as it becomes available and may accept or refuse assignments. Travel, including overnight stays and long or abnormal work hours (e.g., early starts, night shifts), may be required. Fieldwork will primarily occur throughout the Central Coast of California, with potential opportunities elsewhere in California and the continental United States.

About the Role

Candidates may fill one of the following roles based on skill and experience:

• Assistant Staff Biologists: Typically up to 1 year of experience.
• Staff Biologists: Typically up to 2 years of experience.

Depending on the project, you may independently supervise a biological survey crew in the field, including assigning and directing activities, ensuring accountability, resolving field complaints, monitoring productivity, and providing performance feedback.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological construction monitoring, environmental inspections, wildlife and vegetation baseline studies (including protocol surveys), nesting bird surveys, wetland assessments, and general habitat assessments.
• Collect field data, record, and identify fauna and flora.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, ArcGIS Field Maps, and other tools to determine project locations, habitat types, and landforms.
• Photograph and document habitats, species, and landforms.
• Operate SWCA vehicles safely, including 4-wheel-drive vehicles on rugged terrain.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, construction crews, and environmental specialists to complete fieldwork and reporting requirements.
• Understand project environmental requirements and applicable laws protecting biological resources.
• Complete desktop analyses, web-based database queries, and prepare technical reports.
• Work independently and as part of a diverse team while adhering to safety procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• Minimum of 1 year of field experience.
• Knowledge of common and special-status California fauna and flora; strong wildlife and plant identification skills preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to operate multiple vehicle types, including trucks and 4x4s.
• Experience with GIS software, GPS units/tablets, and technology for data collection.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and high altitudes while carrying equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and report-writing skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years or field seasons of experience in biological surveys, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, or construction monitoring.
• Botanical and wetland delineation experience.
• Ornithology experience, including bird identification and nest searching (raptor and bird of prey experience a plus).
• Stormwater, erosion, and sediment control management experience, including SWPPPs and WPCPs implementation.

Pay

• Assistant Staff Biologist: $23.99 - $31.01/hour.
• Staff Biologist: $26.91 - $35.10/hour.

Actual pay within these ranges may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits

• Opportunities for advancement and transition to regular, full-time positions as the team grows.
• Access to award-winning career development programs and resources.
• Inclusive and supportive work environment with a commitment to diversity and equity.