Lead, Senior, or Principal Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead, Senior or Principal Biologist with experience in natural resource management and biological studies for our Half Moon Bay, CA office. The position is a regular, full‑time salaried role that can be worked in a hybrid or remote capacity. Responsibilities may include project management, business development, natural resource planning, leading surveys, staff coordination, mentorship, and technical review of reports.

This role offers an opportunity to build a long‑term consulting career that combines technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership potential. Pay is competitive and based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include a competitive benefits package and participation in a company‑owned retirement plan (ESOP).

• Lead Biologist – at least 8 years of relevant experience and expertise
• Senior Biologist – at least 10 years of relevant experience and expertise
• Principal Biologist – at least 12 years of relevant experience and expertise

• Serve as project manager or technical lead on a variety of biological resource projects.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Take initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are addressed.
• Coordinate and/or lead biological survey and reporting efforts, including jurisdictional waters permitting.
• Work closely with SWCA's other resource scientists, planners, and engineers on natural and cultural resource projects throughout the company.
• Develop innovative approaches to resource assessment that meet client needs and can withstand agency and public scrutiny.
• Drive compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field (Master’s degree highly desired).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in biological surveys and resource management, in either the public or private sector.
• Experience working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
• Experience managing subcontractors and ensuring technical excellence.
• Experience in writing technical reports.
• Ability to promote SWCA’s services internally and externally.
• Strong wildlife and/or plant identification skills; familiarity with the federal and state Endangered Species Act, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, state and federal jurisdictional waters permitting and strategy, and excellent writing skills.
• Ability to take initiative, resolve problems and ensure tasks are completed effectively.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently to make decisions and complete tasks. Willingness to learn and grow into increased project‑management and supervisory responsibilities.

• Salary ranges by level:
  Lead Biologist $97,344 to $127,196 per year;
  Senior Biologist $111,621 to $145,367 per year;
  Principal Biologist $127,196 to $166,133 per year.
• Regular‑status employees are eligible for performance bonuses.
• Competitive benefits package and total rewards, including health insurance, retirement plan, and flexible workplace options.

Equal Opportunity Employer – women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency.