Staff Level Biologist -Monitor

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Biologist - Monitor to join our Natural Resources team supporting projects in and around Monterey and the Bay Area. In this role, you will provide biological monitoring support for a variety of environmental and construction-related projects, helping to ensure compliance with project requirements and environmental commitments. You will work closely with project teams in the field, documenting observations, communicating monitoring results, and supporting the delivery of high-quality environmental consulting services to our clients. 

This position is a full-time, regular (with benefits), hourly/non-exempt opportunity with varying work schedules based on project needs, construction activities, seasonal considerations, and monitoring requirements.  

Depending on project needs, this position may require significant field presence to support biological monitoring activities and construction compliance efforts throughout the region. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to support project delivery and contribute to successful environmental outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to build technical field skills, gain hands-on experience with biological monitoring programs, and grow your career in environmental consulting. 

Under this job requisition, we may hire for any of the following positions -- 

• Assistant Staff Biologist: Typically, with one (1) year of relevant industry experience and expertise 

• Staff Biologist: Typically, with up to two (2) years of relevant industry experience and expertise. 

• →Coordinate field activities with project managers, construction crews, environmental specialists, and regulatory representatives to support environmental compliance objectives. 
• →Work closely with CPUC third-party monitors, client representatives, construction contractor personnel, and environmental compliance staff to coordinate field efforts and support project compliance requirements. 
• →Interpret and apply project environmental requirements identified in CEQA documentation, including Mitigated Negative Declarations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs. 
• →Coordinate and schedule pre-construction surveys and environmental monitoring activities. 
• →Conduct environmental compliance inspections, stormwater inspections, biological monitoring, nesting bird surveys, and biological evaluations and assessments. 
• →Collect, identify, and document biological resources, including fauna and flora, using established field methodologies. 
• →Utilize GPS units, topographic maps, aerial imagery, and other mapping tools to identify project locations, habitat types, and associated landforms. 
• →Document field observations through photographs and detailed records of habitats, species, landforms, and environmental conditions. 
• →Support compliance with project permits, mitigation measures, conditions of approval, and applicable environmental plans. 
• →Follow established field safety check-in, communication, and reporting procedures during field activities 

• Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree, with demonstrated awareness and interest in one or more technical area.
• Two years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field. 
• One (1) or more years of experience conducting biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, construction monitoring, or related fieldwork. 
• Knowledge of California flora, fauna, habitats, and environmental regulations. 
• Experience conducting wildlife surveys and biological monitoring, including nesting bird surveys. 
• Ability to use GPS units, mobile data collection applications, and other field technology. 
• Strong communication, organizational, and technical writing skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel. 
• Ability to travel to project sites and perform extended fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions, including carrying field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds 

• Two (2) or more years of experience. 
• Experience conducting biological monitoring on construction, restoration, or infrastructure projects. 
• Experience with habitat assessments, wetland delineations, vegetation surveys, and special-status species surveys. 
• Familiarity with special-status species and habitats found in coastal California and the San Francisco Bay Area. 
• Experience using GIS software and GPS-enabled field data collection tools. 
• Experience preparing technical reports, monitoring documentation, and environmental compliance reports. 
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspection experience and knowledge of erosion and sediment control practices 
• Willingness to work flexible and variable schedules, including early mornings and extended field days 
• Ability and willingness to travel for field assignments, including overnight stays in company-provided lodging 

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.  

Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.   

Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures. 

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Half Moon Bay, CA-based position is: 

• Assistant Staff Biologist: $25.58 to $33.07 per hour
• Staff Biologist: $28.70 to $37.44 per hour 

Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.  

As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities. 

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact HRConfidential@swca.com.

If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.

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. 

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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