Swca Environmental Consultants
Environmental consulting firm offering planning, design, and compliance services across sectors.
Staff Biologist- Natural Resources (Temporary)
Temporary staff biologist performing field surveys, data collection, and reporting on California wildlife and habitats.
Job Highlights
About the Role
Key responsibilities include preparing preliminary research, gathering and identifying fauna and flora, and conducting environmental inspections, baseline studies, nesting bird surveys, wetland assessments, and habitat assessments. You will use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other tools to pinpoint project locations, photograph habitats, and document findings while adhering to safety protocols. Effective communication with project managers, construction crews, and other specialists is essential for completing field work and reporting requirements. You will also prepare technical reports that describe methods, results, recommendations, and regulatory context, maintaining SWCA’s high standards of scientific ethics and quality assurance. The ability to work both independently and as part of a fast‑paced, cross‑functional team is critical. • Assign and direct activities of crew members remotely to ensure quality and timely delivery. • Ensure crew understand responsibilities, hold them accountable for performance, safety, and productivity. • Act as communication conduit between crew and senior managers, communicating issues. • Receive and resolve field employee complaints. • Monitor team productivity, provide feedback, and determine disciplinary actions as needed.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸crew management
- ▸field surveys
- ▸gis mapping
- ▸technical reporting
- ▸stakeholder liaison
- ▸productivity monitoring
What You Bring
Work hours may vary seasonally and by project needs, and travel—including overnight stays—across Southern California is expected. Candidates should have recent experience conducting independent nesting bird surveys or construction monitoring, and may be called upon to supervise a biological survey crew in the field. The position involves both office and field duties, requiring flexibility, problem‑solving, and proactive collaboration with a diverse technical team. The preferred candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field and possesses knowledge of California’s special‑status fauna and flora. Prior experience with GIS software, GPS units, and technology‑based data collection is required, along with strong communication, organizational, and writing skills. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, Survey123, Smartsheet, and Google Earth is a plus. Candidates must be able to travel to and work in remote, rugged, or high‑altitude locations for extended periods, often carrying equipment up to 40 pounds.
Requirements
- ▸bachelor's
- ▸gis
- ▸arcgis
- ▸gps
- ▸survey123
- ▸smartsheet
Benefits
SWCA is an employee‑owned firm that ranks among the nation’s largest environmental compliance firms and is committed to diversity, inclusion, salary equity, and transparent pay ranges. This San Diego‑based temporary position offers an hourly rate of $26.91–$35.10, wellness paid time off, an employee assistance program, and access to career development resources. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities, and the company encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with diverse backgrounds. The role may lead to advancement or transition to a full‑time position as the natural resources team continues to grow.
Work Environment
Field