Project Level Biologist- Field Lead

About the opportunity

Do you thrive in the pursuit of ensuring excellence in environmental consulting services for your clients? SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding their team and looking for dynamic individuals who are following their passion in delivering the highest-quality project work.

We are seeking a Project Level Biologist - Field Lead for our Baton Rouge, LA office, which offers a unique work environment and specializes in natural resources and planning. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading natural resource field crews in conducting biological surveys in the South region.

This is a permanent, non-exempt, full time, with benefits, hourly position that will require extensive travel for field-based projects. 65% field work and 35% office work. This position offers the opportunity to support both field and office-based projects, depending on project needs, and can be hired at the following levels:

• Assistant Project Biologist - Typically with at least 3 years of relevant experience and expertise.
• Associate Project Biologist - Typically with at least 5 years of relevant experience and expertise.

• Lead field crews under the supervision of Field Directors and/or Project Managers in the performance of natural resource fieldwork.
• Project work may include oil and gas development, transmission/pipelines, transportation, mining, and Federal clients.
• Conduct biological surveys, habitat assessments, and wetland/OHWM delineation.
• Accurately collect data and complete field forms, digital photography, and mapping.
• Collect GPS data using Trimble units; manage data and download data to and from GPS units.
• Coordinate and communicate with project managers, land surveyors, landowners and other SWCA staff as necessary.
• Assist with report preparation.
• Operate SWCA vehicles, assure they will perform safely, and notify appropriate person if vehicle needs maintenance.
• Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
• A key element of your job will be to supervise a small crew while conducting environmental fieldwork. This includes:
  • Independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery.
  • Ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely.
  • Serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers.
  • Receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field.
  • Monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when correction action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.

• Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Previous field supervisory experience required.
• Three (3) years of field experience in biology, ecology, natural resource management, or related field along with some or all of the following additional knowledge/experience; five (5) years preferred:
  • Experience with accurate data collection procedures, and data entry QA/QC.
  • Experience conducting avian studies in the southern United States, including presence/absence surveys, population and nesting studies.
  • Small mammal and/or herpetofauna experience.
  • Vegetation sampling and habitat assessment experience.
  • Wetland delineation experience in the Southeast.
• The ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and at high altitudes; the ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• General knowledge of the fauna and flora of Southeast.
• Experience with Trimble GPS units. Familiarity with Arc Pad is a plus.
• Ability to research and prepare technical documents.
• Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rugged, backcountry roads.

Hourly rate ranges by level:

• Assistant Project Biologist - $27.30 - $35.62/hour
• Associate Project Biologist - $31.20 - $40.04/hour

Competitive wages and benefits, including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.