Staff Biologist - Phoenix, Arizona

About the Role

The Staff Biologist will conduct natural resource field surveys focused on flora identification across the Southwest, often working long days and remote locations. Responsibilities include leading survey crews, ensuring quality data collection, using GIS applications such as ArcGIS Field Maps and Online, performing 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 the safety program and active participation in SWCA’s Restoration Practice Group. • Conduct flora surveys and identify native and non‑native species across AZ, NV, and NM. • Lead and supervise field crews, ensuring data quality and safety compliance. • Collect and manage field data using ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Online. • Perform QA/QC on field data and assist with data analysis. • Prepare technical reports under senior staff guidance. • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on natural resource assessments and restoration projects. • Support ecological restoration tasks, including feasibility, construction oversight, monitoring, and reporting. • Uphold SWCA safety program and promptly address hazards. • Independently assign tasks, monitor crew performance, and resolve field issues.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸flora surveys
• ▸field supervision
• ▸arcgis
• ▸qa/qc
• ▸technical reports
• ▸ecological restoration

What You Bring

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Staff Biologist with a strong botany background to support projects throughout Arizona, reporting from the Flagstaff, Phoenix, or Tucson office. The role offers a hybrid work environment with up to 80% of time spent in the field, covering land development, transmission, mining, regulatory work, renewable energy, and oil and gas projects. It is a full‑time hourly non‑exempt position with benefits, requiring a valid driver’s license, compliance with SWCA’s driver requirements, and participation in drug and alcohol screening. Minimum qualifications include at least one year of environmental consulting experience with a focus on botany or habitat restoration, a BS in biology, botany, restoration ecology or a related field, and demonstrated ability to conduct botanical and special‑status plant surveys. Candidates must be proficient in plant identification using dichotomous keys, knowledgeable about Arizona flora and fauna, and experienced in data collection and quality control. Physical ability to operate 4‑wheel‑drive vehicles, travel to remote sites, and carry equipment up to 40 lb is required, as is a valid driver’s license. Preferred qualifications include three or more years of relevant experience, an MS degree, and expertise in wildlife surveys, weed adaptive management, and standard restoration techniques such as hydroseeding and staking. Additional experience in wetland plant identification, biostatistics, experimental design, and comprehensive report writing is valued. Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and Microsoft Office skills, along with knowledge of desert and Colorado Plateau ecosystems, are essential for success. • Minimum: 1 year consulting experience, BS in biology/botany or related field, plant survey expertise, valid driver’s license. • Ability to operate 4‑WD vehicles, travel to remote sites, and carry equipment up to 40 lb. • Preferred: 3+ years experience, MS degree, wildlife survey experience, weed management expertise, restoration implementation knowledge, wetland identification, biostatistics, and report writing. • Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and Microsoft Office skills; knowledge of Southwest ecosystems. • Must complete drug/alcohol screening and meet driver requirements.

Requirements

• ▸bs biology
• ▸ms degree
• ▸plant surveys
• ▸biostatistics
• ▸microsoft office
• ▸4‑wd vehicles

Benefits

SWCA is a 100% employee‑owned firm that emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusive culture. Employees benefit from competitive hourly wages ($23.92–$31.20), a robust benefits package, profit‑sharing 401(k), and an employee stock ownership plan. The company offers extensive career development resources, tuition reimbursement, conference support, and performance bonuses, while maintaining a commitment to salary equity, diversity, and accommodation for candidates with disabilities. • Eligible for hourly pay $23.92–$31.20, benefits, 401(k) profit sharing, and employee stock ownership.

Work Environment

Field