Staff Biologist Jobs

SWCA Environmental Consultants is looking for a Staff Biologist to join our Houston, TX office. 

This is a regular, full-time, hourly position with ability to work a hybrid schedule (eligible for remote work 20% of the time).  This position requires up to 80% domestic travel.

The position will close on October 5th, 2023.

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

• Working independently on standard tasks, under the direction of a Project Manager.
• Overseeing the implementation of the safety plan in the field.
• Analyzing and managing environmental data and reports to ensure regulatory compliance as it relates to wildlife, air, water, soil, hazardous wastes, and other environmental media.
• Communicating requirements and procedures to site employees, contractors, and oversees work activities of field crews.
• Mobilizing field crews and equipment, coordinates land access, field crew progress, and communicates with client or agency as directed by Project Manager.
• Preparing detailed scientific reports that present research and data findings under the supervision of a Project Manager or Supervisor.
• Writing and presenting deliverable sections to clients that include best management practices (BMP), regulatory summary letter, and finalized reports under direction of the Project Manager.
• Performing environmental surveys through data collection and mapping in the field in accordance with the United State Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) manual.
• Applying extensive knowledge of local, federal, and state environmental laws and regulations as it relates to natural resources, and implores guidelines to job.
• Training junior staff.

Required Qualifications:

• Phase 1 Site Assessment and ASTM E1527-21 standard practices
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field.
• Watershed and Groundwater monitoring; and Regulatory Environmental Compliance with CWA and CERCLA.

• Two (2) years of related experience, which must include some experience in each of the following skills:

  • Data Collection and analysis using ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Collector, Topographic Maps, and Global Positioning System Geo devices to identify and delineate waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) in accordance with United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) guidelines

  • EPA Science Models and Research Tools (SMART) for conducting environmental research

  • Laboratory soil sampling with Web Soil Survey v3.0

  • Phase 1 Site Assessment and ASTM E1527-21 standard practices

  • Watershed and Groundwater monitoring; and Regulatory Environmental Compliance with CWA and CERCLA.

• EPA Science Models and Research Tools (SMART) for conducting environmental research
• Data Collection and analysis using ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Collector, Topographic Maps, and Global Positioning System Geo devices to identify and delineate waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) in accordance with United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) guidelines
• Laboratory soil sampling with Web Soil Survey v3.0

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and environmental survey experience in south central and southeast United States flora, fauna, and ecology
• Familiarity with mapping software such as ArcGIS and GPS devices
• Completion of a 38-hour USACE wetland delineation training course

Additional Information:

• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain
• Safely operate SWCA-owned and rental vehicles, including 4-wheel drive vehicles
• Frequent travel will be required for the position, with field work sometimes reaching 80% of your time
• Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Houston, TX-based position can expect a pay rate of $54,662/year to $65,520/year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email [email protected] or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response. 

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply