Staff Level Biologist- Temporary
SWCA Environmental Consultants, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
About the opportunity
SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding our team and looking for Temporary Staff-Level Biologists with backgrounds in botany, wildlife biology, wetland ecology, avian, and/or environmental science to support our Salt Lake City office. These are temporary, hourly positions that will support a variety of natural resources projects and field efforts at sites throughout Utah and the Intermountain West. Candidates local to Utah (or neighboring states) familiar with flora and fauna of Utah, conducting field surveys, and 4x4 truck, ATV, and trailer towing experience are strongly preferred. Applicants should be able to work outdoors in a team or independently for 40 hours or more per week (travel included) with flexible scheduling based on project and client needs.
Applicant must be willing to participate in a drug and alcohol screening as part of the pre‑employment process, as some projects require such screenings.
Position levels:
Natural Resources Technician – typically with a few months of relevant experience
Assistant Staff Biologist – typically with up to one (1) year of relevant experience
Staff Biologist – typically with up to two (2) years of relevant experience
What you will accomplish
Follow established scientific protocols to conduct wildlife, vegetation, and wetland field surveys, complete environmental inspections, wildlife and vegetation baseline studies, habitat assessments, noxious weed mapping, stormwater inspections, and reclamation monitoring
Assist with tasks to collect and/or manage natural resources and wetland data in the field or office; technicians are expected to work efficiently and accurately
Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other mapping tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, species of interest, and associated landforms
Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and geographic landforms relative to suitable habitat requirements and ecological classifications
Operate SWCA vehicles, ensure safe operation, and notify the appropriate person if maintenance is needed
Perform all work with a focus on safety in a remote field setting for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and at high altitudes; carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds and walking up to 12 miles per day is required
Communicate frequently and openly with team members and supervisors to clearly understand task objectives, share progress, and address questions or needs in real‑time collaborative work efforts
Project work may include electrical transmission, renewable generation projects (wind, solar, geothermal), oil and gas development, transmission/pipelines, transportation, mining, and state and federal agency clients
Adhere to SWCA’s safety program while looking out for the safety of others and promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards
For Assistant Staff Biologist and Staff Biologist positions, supervise a small crew during environmental fieldwork. Responsibilities include assigning activities, ensuring accountability, serving as a conduit of communication, resolving complaints, and monitoring productivity with timely feedback
Experience and qualifications for success
Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Natural Resource Management (preferred)
Minimum of 6 months’ experience with field‑based natural resources scientific data collection and attention to detail
Experience with accurate natural resources data collection procedures and data QA/QC
Familiarity with Intermountain West flora and fauna; botany and/or wetland delineation experience a plus
Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365, ArcGIS, and other software suites
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements; ability to drive a 4‑wheel‑drive vehicle on rugged, back‑country roads
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
Ability to work long days outdoors for extended periods of time (up to 14 days)
Maintain a positive attitude while working closely with a small team in a dynamic environment
Travel and work remotely as required
Work independently and as a member of a team with excellent collaboration skills
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Equal Opportunity Statement
SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency. This position is a full‑time, hourly role. The company is an equal opportunity employer; women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. SWCA celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. Applications will be considered from qualified internal candidates as well.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding our team and looking for Temporary Staff-Level Biologists with backgrounds in botany, wildlife biology, wetland ecology, avian, and/or environmental science to support our Salt Lake City office. These are temporary, hourly positions that will support a variety of natural resources projects and field efforts at sites throughout Utah and the Intermountain West. Candidates local to Utah (or neighboring states) familiar with flora and fauna of Utah, conducting field surveys, and 4x4 truck, ATV, and trailer towing experience are strongly preferred. Applicants should be able to work outdoors in a team or independently for 40 hours or more per week (travel included) with flexible scheduling based on project and client needs.
Applicant must be willing to participate in a drug and alcohol screening as part of the pre‑employment process, as some projects require such screenings.
Position levels:
Natural Resources Technician – typically with a few months of relevant experience
Assistant Staff Biologist – typically with up to one (1) year of relevant experience
Staff Biologist – typically with up to two (2) years of relevant experience
What you will accomplish
Follow established scientific protocols to conduct wildlife, vegetation, and wetland field surveys, complete environmental inspections, wildlife and vegetation baseline studies, habitat assessments, noxious weed mapping, stormwater inspections, and reclamation monitoring
Assist with tasks to collect and/or manage natural resources and wetland data in the field or office; technicians are expected to work efficiently and accurately
Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other mapping tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, species of interest, and associated landforms
Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and geographic landforms relative to suitable habitat requirements and ecological classifications
Operate SWCA vehicles, ensure safe operation, and notify the appropriate person if maintenance is needed
Perform all work with a focus on safety in a remote field setting for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and at high altitudes; carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds and walking up to 12 miles per day is required
Communicate frequently and openly with team members and supervisors to clearly understand task objectives, share progress, and address questions or needs in real‑time collaborative work efforts
Project work may include electrical transmission, renewable generation projects (wind, solar, geothermal), oil and gas development, transmission/pipelines, transportation, mining, and state and federal agency clients
Adhere to SWCA’s safety program while looking out for the safety of others and promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards
For Assistant Staff Biologist and Staff Biologist positions, supervise a small crew during environmental fieldwork. Responsibilities include assigning activities, ensuring accountability, serving as a conduit of communication, resolving complaints, and monitoring productivity with timely feedback
Experience and qualifications for success
Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Natural Resource Management (preferred)
Minimum of 6 months’ experience with field‑based natural resources scientific data collection and attention to detail
Experience with accurate natural resources data collection procedures and data QA/QC
Familiarity with Intermountain West flora and fauna; botany and/or wetland delineation experience a plus
Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365, ArcGIS, and other software suites
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements; ability to drive a 4‑wheel‑drive vehicle on rugged, back‑country roads
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
Ability to work long days outdoors for extended periods of time (up to 14 days)
Maintain a positive attitude while working closely with a small team in a dynamic environment
Travel and work remotely as required
Work independently and as a member of a team with excellent collaboration skills
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Equal Opportunity Statement
SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency. This position is a full‑time, hourly role. The company is an equal opportunity employer; women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. SWCA celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. Applications will be considered from qualified internal candidates as well.
#J-18808-Ljbffr