Assistant Staff Biologist - Avian

Overview
 

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.

Our Flagstaff, Arizona office is seeking an Assistant Staff Biologist to support a variety of natural resources surveys, particulary avian surveys, in northern Arizona. This a temporary, hourly position with a potential to become a fulltime permanent position. Travel to neighboring states is possible in support of our other office's needs. We anticipate the Assistant Staff Biologist will work 10-40 hours per week, depending on workload. Overtime is possible and pay rate will be based on qualifications and experience. This position includes hiking, 4wd vehicle, and ATV use in all seasons and conditions. Per diem and work vehicle will be provided.

Responsibilities
 

Conduct avian surveys in accordance with federal and state wind energy guidelines, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Endangered Species Act.

Identify Southwest birds by sight and sound.

Conduct wildlife habitat assessments.

Data collection will be primarily ground-based, but may also include aerial surveys.

Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and tablets for data collection and navigation.

Enter and QA/QC data.

May author or co-author reports, conduct literature searches, and reviews.

Operate SWCA 4wd vehicles and ATVs; assure they will perform safely.

Qualifications
 

Strong identification (by sound and sight) skills of eagles, other raptors, and other avian species, particularly those occurring in the Southwest.

Experience in related fieldwork including presence/absence surveys, special-status species surveys, population and nesting studies, habitat assessments, and plant identification.

Ability to work as member of a team and individually to make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner.

Must have strong communication skills.

Ability to use digital tablets and GPS units for navigation and data collection; familiarity with ArcGIS and tablet data collection platforms (Collector, Survey123) preferred.

Ability to follow complex protocols and record accurate field notes.

Ability to research and prepare technical documents.

Ability to drive a 4wd vehicle and ATV on rugged, backcounty roads.

Ability to take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to assure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.

Flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures, and ability to try new, improved techniques.

Ability to travel to a location, hike and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, often at high altitudes, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds is required.

Current valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.

Bat identification skills and use of bat acoustic detectors preferred.

Experience conducting post-construction bird and bat fatality monitoring a plus.

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 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.

Apply Here
PI174770740