Staff Biologist - Tucson, Arizona

About the Role

The biologist will conduct natural resource field surveys emphasizing flora identification in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, often working long days in remote locations. Responsibilities include leading survey crews, ensuring quality data collection, using ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Online for GIS data capture, organizing QA/QC, and preparing technical reports under senior staff oversight. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and support for ecological restoration projects are integral, as is adherence to safety protocols and participation in the Restoration Practice Group. • Conduct natural resource field surveys focusing on flora across AZ, NV, and NM. • Lead and supervise biological survey crews, ensuring data quality and safety. • Collect and manage GIS data using ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Online. • Perform QA/QC and analyze field data for technical reporting. • Prepare technical reports under senior staff guidance. • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on resource assessments and restoration projects. • Support ecological restoration planning, construction oversight, monitoring, and reporting. • Uphold safety protocols and address hazards promptly. • Independently assign tasks, monitor crew performance, and provide feedback.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸field surveys
• ▸crew supervision
• ▸gis data
• ▸qa/qc
• ▸technical reporting
• ▸restoration planning

What You Bring

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff Biologist with a strong botany background to support projects throughout Arizona. The role operates in a hybrid model, allowing up to 80% field work and remote reporting, and may require travel within the greater Southwest. This full‑time, hourly, non‑exempt position includes benefits, requires a valid driver’s license, and mandates participation in drug and alcohol screening. Minimum qualifications include at least one year of environmental consulting experience focused on botany or habitat restoration, a Bachelor of Science in biology, botany, restoration ecology, landscape architecture, environmental science, or a related field, and demonstrated ability to conduct botanical and special‑status plant surveys using dichotomous keys. Candidates must be proficient in identifying Arizona flora and fauna, monitoring non‑native species, performing data quality checks, and operating 4‑wheel‑drive vehicles for remote access, as well as possess a valid driver’s license. Preferred qualifications feature three or more years of relevant consulting experience, a Master’s degree in a related discipline, and experience conducting wildlife surveys, weed‑management guidance, and standard restoration techniques such as hydroseeding and container planting. Additional assets include wetland plant identification, hydric soil classification, biostatistics, experimental design, and strong report‑writing skills for botanical and biotechnical documentation. Key knowledge, skills, and abilities encompass strong organization, communication, collaboration, analytical, and time‑management capabilities, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Understanding of desert, Colorado Plateau, and broader Southwest ecosystems and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams are essential. Applicants must complete pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening and meet driver requirements. SWCA provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities, promotes salary transparency, and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds, including veterans, to apply. Internal candidates are strongly considered, reflecting the firm’s commitment to internal promotion and workforce diversity. • Minimum: 1+ year environmental consulting experience with botany focus; BS in biology or related field. • Proficiency in plant identification, non‑native species monitoring, and data quality control. • Preferred: 3+ years experience, MS degree, wildlife survey and restoration technique expertise.

Requirements

• ▸bs biology
• ▸ms degree
• ▸plant id
• ▸non-native monitoring
• ▸data qc
• ▸microsoft office

Benefits

SWCA is a 100% employee‑owned firm emphasizing sustainability, career development, and inclusive workplace values. Employees benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, a 401(k) profit‑sharing plan, a stock ownership retirement plan, performance bonuses, and a competitive hourly wage ranging from $23.92 to $31.20. The company offers professional development opportunities such as conference attendance, training programs, education reimbursement, and publication bonuses.

Work Environment

Field