Lead Biologist - Transmission and Renewables

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead Biologist for projects in energy generation and transmission in Southern California. This role can be office-based, remote, or hybrid. The candidate will manage projects, oversee field surveys, mentor staff, and ensure regulatory compliance. Ideal applicants should have experience in managing complex biological resource issues. The position offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration within a growing team.
About the opportunity

SWCA is actively seeking a Lead Biologist to join our growing team. This position can be office-based, remote, or hybrid. In this position you will support projects in the energy generation and transmission sectors, including solar, wind, and battery storage; and electrical, and gas transmission, in Southern California.

The ideal candidate will be a biologist with strong energy generation and transmission experience who has managed projects with complex biological resources issues in Southern California. In this position, you will take a lead role in managing projects and clients, pursuing project opportunities, plan and oversee field surveys, and mentor staff. Your work will expand SWCA’s professional reputation in natural resources management and research throughout California and beyond, and you will be provided with opportunities for professional development. You will collaborate with peers, maintain SWCA’s standards of excellence, and support the continuing development of SWCA’s Natural Resources Program.

Internal Candidates Are Encouraged to Apply

At SWCA, we believe in harnessing the talent and potential within our organization. We are committed to fostering a culture where growth and opportunities are actively pursued. Internal candidates bring invaluable insights, a deep understanding of our company culture, and a proven track record of contributing to our mission of delivering Sound Science and Creative Solutions to our clients. If you're looking to expand your role within the SWCA team, we strongly encourage you to apply for this position. Embrace this chance to advance your career, explore new opportunities, and continue to make a significant impact. Together, as #OneSWCA, we achieve more.

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.

What you will accomplish
• Manage natural resources and multi-disciplinary projects, develop, and manage project budgets and schedules, and provide timely, high-quality work that achieves client goals.
• Oversee preparation of biological documents and deliverables.
• Provide report Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC).
• Maintain positive relationships with clients and public agencies.
• Lead and participate in marketing and proposal efforts.
• Work directly with clients and regulatory agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and facilitate project approvals.
• Support the professional development of staff biologists through direct supervision and the management of project teams.
• Conduct fieldwork and manage field teams, as needed.
• Drive compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.
• Support your peers in meeting client needs, staffing projects, and take initiative in team development and cohesion.

Experience and qualifications for success
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, wildlife management, environmental sciences, or a closely related field required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of natural resources consulting experience on a variety of project types and sizes, regions, and agencies, or equivalent.
• One (1) or more years of experience managing projects, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work in Southern California.
• General understanding of energy infrastructure and related natural resource issues.
• Expertise with Southern California flora and fauna.
• Working knowledge of natural resources regulations and permitting.
• Demonstrated primary report authorship for a variety of project types, preferably in an environmental consulting context.

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.

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 San Diego, CA-based position can expect a salary of $91,260 - $119,246.40/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.

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 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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