Aquatic Resources Field Lead - Staff Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks an Aquatic Resources Field Lead - Staff Biologist to support projects in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The role involves leading field studies, conducting assessments, and managing field crews. While based in Minneapolis, highly qualified remote candidates from Minnesota and surrounding states will be considered. This full-time position offers benefits and focuses on environmental planning and sustainability services.
About the position

SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) is an employee-owned company of cultural and natural resource scientists and planners. Our professionals specialize in natural and cultural resources management, environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and sustainability services. We are seeking an Aquatic Resources Field Lead - Staff Biologist to support both office and field projects in our growing Minnesota/Dakotas team. The selected individual will be part of our natural resources team supporting projects primarily in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, but may also support projects throughout the United States. We work to support our client's needs across multiple service areas including renewable generation and transmission, oil & gas, mining, water resources, and ecological restoration. This is a regular (with benefits), full-time, hourly position, based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Highly qualified remote (= distributed) employees in Minnesota, the Dakotas, or nearby states will also be seriously considered. 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. SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm with 1,600 employees, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.

Responsibilities
• Serve as a crew lead for various natural resources field studies, including aquatic resources, wildlife habitat assessments, and vegetation and rare plant surveys.
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• Lead field crews, providing guidance on safety, sampling protocols, field data management, and coordination with the project manager and senior natural resources leads.
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• Conduct aquatic resources delineations, vegetation surveys, soil surveys, general biological surveys, habitat assessments, and baseline studies.
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• Perform evaluations and assessments in support of the Clear Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
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• Organize equipment and logistical arrangements for field sessions.
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• Record data on GPS units and field site forms or other forms.
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• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms.
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• Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and landforms.
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• Operate 4-wheel drive and off-road vehicles in all terrains and weather conditions.
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• Assist project managers in data organization, interpretation, and report preparation as needed.
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• Adhere to SWCA's safety procedures and standards of scientific and professional ethics.

Requirements
• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, natural resources, soil science, botany, or related life sciences field.
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• Minimum of 2 years of experience conducting wetland delineations and assessments in diverse wetland environments including the Northern Great Plains and Midwest.
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• Experience identifying hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology indicators.
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• Experience identifying vegetation in the Northern Great Plains and Midwest.
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• Experience conducting habitat assessments for threatened and endangered species.
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• Ability to work an irregular schedule and travel to the field up to 80% of the time, including spending up to 2 to 3 weeks at a time at a field location.
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• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions, walk up to 10 miles per day, often in rugged terrain, and carry equipment and/or supplies, weighing up to 40 pounds.
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• Knowledge of survey and monitoring techniques and the ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
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• Ability to take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to assure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
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• Ability to record accurate field notes and communicate effectively with project management team.
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• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
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• Experience using GIS collection software and hardware.
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• Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
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• Technical writing experience.
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• Ability to author reports and complete other office tasks that will require working on a computer for extended periods.
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• Flexibility and willingness to learn and comply with company operational and safety procedures.
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• Valid driver's license and the ability to drive or learn to drive ATVs, UTVS, and other off-road vehicles and haul trailers.

Nice-to-haves
• Master's degree in biology, environmental science, natural resources, soil science, botany, or related life sciences field.
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• Knowledge of regulatory acts, such as the federal Clean Water Act, Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act, Endangered Species Act, etc., and the permitting requirements associated with them as well as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Public Waters Work Permit program.
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• Experience working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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• Completed training courses offered by Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources and/or certification with the Minnesota Wetland Professional Certification Program.
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• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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• Willingness to learn, have fun, and grow into increasing responsibilities in a positive work environment.

Benefits
• Competitive salary range of $23.00/hour to $30.00/hour based on experience and qualifications.
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• Performance bonuses for regular-status employees.
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• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
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• Forward-thinking workplace flexibility and outstanding corporate culture.
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• Award-winning career development opportunities.