Project Botanist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Botanist to join our Natural Resources Program in Half Moon Bay, California. In this role, you will support a variety of natural resources projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, with a focus on botanical resources, waters permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory support. 

You will contribute to project delivery across infrastructure, restoration, utility, transportation, renewable energy, and land development projects by conducting botanical assessments, supporting permitting efforts, preparing technical documentation, and assisting with environmental compliance requirements. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will help clients navigate regulatory processes while supporting successful project outcomes 

The successful candidate will have experience conducting botanical field studies, preparing technical reports, supporting permitting and environmental documentation, and collaborating with project managers and technical specialists. This position offers the opportunity to further develop botanical and permitting expertise while contributing to complex and impactful projects throughout the region. 

This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), salaried/exempt position based out of our Half Moon Bay, California office, with hybrid work arrangements available. You will work closely with project managers, botanists, biological resources specialists, permitting professionals, and Natural Resources leadership to support project execution and client success throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and broader Northern California region. 

• →Partner with project managers and clients to plan, coordinate, and execute natural resource projects through successful completion. 

• →Support project requirements associated with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and related environmental permitting and planning processes. 
• → 

• →Review environmental documents prepared by other environmental specialists to ensure technical quality and consistency. 

• →Assist with proposal development, project budgeting, client outreach, and business development activities. 

• →Identify process improvements, proactively resolve project challenges, and implement solutions that support client objectives.

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

• Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree.
• Four years of relevant, progressively responsible experience.
• Seven years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field. 
• Four (4) years of professional experience conducting botanical surveys and related natural resource fieldwork. 
• Experience conducting rare plant surveys and field identification using botanical keys and standard taxonomic methods. 
• Coursework in Plant Taxonomy or equivalent academic training in plant identification and classification. 
• Understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and permitting requirements affecting natural resource projects. 
• Experience supporting environmental permitting, compliance, restoration, or resource management projects in aquatic, wetland, riparian, coastal, or other waters-related environments. 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and technical writing skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. 
• Demonstrated commitment to health and safety, including identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate safety procedures during field activities. 
• Ability to carry field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds and conduct extended walking or hiking during field investigations. 
• Ability to operate company vehicles safely and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting company driving requirements. 
• Willingness to participate in pre-employment drug and alcohol screening when required by specific project. 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

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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