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 San Luis Obispo, CA office. We are looking for a candidate who wants to develop or continue a long‑term consulting career that combines high‑level technical expertise, business acumen, and the potential for leadership. Responsibilities may include project management, business development, natural resource planning, leading surveys, staff coordination, staff mentorship, and technical review of reports.

This is a regular, full‑time, salaried position that can be worked in a hybrid or remote capacity. Pay will be competitive and based on individual qualifications and experience. SWCA offers a team‑oriented work environment, competitive salaries, and a benefits package that includes an employee stock ownership retirement plan (ESOP).

We are considering candidates for the following levels:

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

Final date to receive applications:
We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once suitable individuals are identified, we may close the application process without prior notice.

Job responsibilities for Senior/Principal levels will involve leading more complicated, larger, and potentially multi‑disciplinary projects and pursuits.

• 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 across the company.
• Collaborate with a project team to develop innovative approaches to resource assessment that meet client needs and can withstand agency and public scrutiny.
• Drive compliance with 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, and state and federal jurisdictional waters permitting and strategy; excellent writing skills required.
• Ability to take initiative, resolve problems, and ensure tasks are completed effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team to make decisions and complete tasks effectively; willingness to learn and grow into increased project‑management and supervisory responsibilities.

We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #Always Learning, #Never Settle, and #Give Back. We are 100% employee‑owned and build our success together. It is imperative that the successful candidate fits SWCA’s unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority?

Purpose:

Our company purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today. You are invited to be a part of our…