Assistant Staff Biologist

Are you passionate about delivering excellence in environmental consulting services? At SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA), we are expanding our Minnesota and Dakotas team and seeking a driven, experienced, and dynamic Assistant Staff Biologist to join our Natural Resources Team. This position supports both office and field projects, primarily in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, with opportunities to work on projects in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Our work spans various service areas, including renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, water resources, and ecological restoration. As an Assistant Staff Biologist, your primary duties will involve conducting natural resource studies such as avian and wildlife surveys, wildlife habitat assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, wetland and waterbody delineations, and vegetation and rare plant surveys. Fieldwork is a key component of this position, requiring travel up to 90% of the time, with assignments lasting 2-3 weeks at a time. You must be prepared to conduct fieldwork in challenging conditions, including long hours in inclement weather, walking up to 10 miles per day in rugged terrain, and carrying equipment or supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.

This is a full-time, regular position with benefits, offering an hourly pay range of $21.32-$27.56/hour, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic locations, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses and SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes competitive benefits, workplace flexibility, and opportunities for career growth.

You may work out of our Bismarck, ND office or our new Minneapolis, MN office, set to open in early 2025. Flexible work arrangements, including remote or hybrid options, are available for highly qualified candidates in Minnesota, the Dakotas, or nearby states.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

• Assist crew leaders with various natural resources field studies, including avian and wildlife surveys, wildlife habitat assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, wetland and waterbody delineations, and vegetation and rare plant surveys.
• Record data accurately using tablets, field site forms, and other tools.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, tablets, and other resources to determine exact project locations and document habitat types and landforms.
• Photograph and record habitat, species, and landforms as needed.
• Operate 4-wheel drive and off-road vehicles in diverse terrains and weather conditions.
• Support project managers in data organization, interpretation, and report preparation.
• Adhere to SWCA's safety procedures and standards of scientific and professional ethics.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Strong field skills and experience conducting biological surveys and monitoring.
• Knowledge of regional flora and fauna in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
• Experience conducting fieldwork in the Northern Great Plains.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel extensively for field assignments, including spending 2 to 3 weeks at a time at remote locations.
• Capacity to work in challenging conditions (inclement weather, rugged terrain, long hours) and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Proficiency with GIS collection software, Microsoft Office, and tablets.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to operate or learn to operate ATVs, UTVS, and trailers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting preconstruction avian surveys for renewable energy projects.
• Experience conducting wetland and waterbody delineations.
• Experience identifying vegetation in the Northern Great Plains, including surveys relevant to Dakota skippers.
• Technical writing experience and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

OUR COMPANY

SWCA is a growing employee-owned firm with 1,600 professionals specializing in natural and cultural resources management, environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and sustainability services.

Our Vision (the North Star): To be the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, providing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges.

Core Values:

• #OneSWCA: We collaborate as a unified team.
• #AlwaysLearning: We embrace growth and innovation.
• #NeverSettle: We strive for excellence in all we do.
• #GiveBack: We support our communities and the environment.

Diversity & Inclusion: SWCA celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. Candidates from all backgrounds, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.

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 accommodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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

An employee in this Minnesota office-based position can expect an hourly wage of $21.32-$27.56/hour. 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.

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.

SWCA Environmental Consultants continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA's continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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