Staff Wildlife Biologist

SummitWest Environmental is hiring a Staff Wildlife Biologist in Bend, OR, focusing on environmental compliance for construction and natural resource projects. Responsibilities include conducting field surveys, monitoring compliance, and collaborating with teams. Candidates should have a relevant degree and some field experience. The role allows for remote work while requiring travel to project sites across California and other western states.
Are you passionate about contributing to environmental compliance in construction and natural resource projects? SummitWest (SWE) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Staff Wildlife Biologist to join our team. This is an ideal role for early-career biologists with some field experience, looking to grow while working on meaningful projects across California and beyond.

As a Staff Wildlife Biologist, you will ensure construction projects comply with environmental regulations by conducting field surveys, monitoring, and working with multidisciplinary teams to protect natural resources while supporting infrastructure development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Construction Monitoring: Perform environmental compliance monitoring during construction. Lead Worker Environmental Awareness Programs (WEAPs), conduct pre-construction surveys, and perform site monitoring.
• Field Surveys: Conduct wildlife, botanical, and wetland surveys across diverse terrains and weather conditions.
• Data Management: Use ESRI software and electronic tools for data collection, quality control, and reporting.
• Compliance Advising: Guide contractors on environmental mitigation and regulatory adherence.
• Reporting: Prepare daily field reports, technical studies, and compliance documentation.
• Team Collaboration: Communicate effectively with project managers, clients, and field teams.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Support desktop biological tasks and assist with project coordination.
• Travel to project sites across CA and other western states.
• Perform independent or team-based biological surveys for wildlife, plants, and habitats.
• Conduct post-construction evaluations and on-site monitoring during construction.
• Use Survey123, GPS tools, and handheld devices for data collection.
• Work remotely while maintaining high productivity, safety, and professionalism.
• Operate company or personal vehicles in accordance with SummitWest’s Driving Policy.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental studies, or related field and 6+ months of field/environmental consulting experience
OR
• 3+ years of biological field experience (preferably in environmental consulting)

Skills & Abilities:
• Proficient in GPS tools, Survey123, MS Word, Excel, and Google Sheets
• Strong writing, problem-solving, and data collection skills
• Effective time management and adaptability
• Capable of working independently and in a team
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

Physical Readiness:
• Able to hike up to 10+ miles/day in rugged terrain under various weather conditions (reasonable accommodations available)
• Comfortable in environments with wildlife and construction hazards
• Able to carry 25 lbs and stand for extended periods

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must be based in California
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Vehicle insurance for personal use (or eligibility under company vehicle policy)
• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must pass a SummitWest background check upon employment
• Must uphold company DEI standards

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with 4×4 driving
• Previous California environmental consulting or fieldwork experience

EXPECTATIONS
• Available minimum 20 hours/week, with flexibility for additional hours as needed
• Maintain communication and scheduling updates
• Respond to emails and phone during working hours
• Meet deadlines for deliverables and reports
• Participate in frequent travel and on-site work
• Plan logistics, use GPS/maps, and complete accurate data entry

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Fieldwork: Coastal, inland, and desert areas; rugged terrain and all weather conditions
• Travel: Potential for multi-week projects with overnight stays (hotel or primitive lodging)
• Risks: Wildlife, construction sites, extreme weather, driving hazards

SALARY & BENEFITS
• Hourly Pay: $22–$28/hour (based on qualifications)
• Workload: Flexible up to 40+ hours/week, based on season and project need

Eligible Benefits (depending on hours/duration):
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Cell Phone Stipend
• Educational Stipend
• Paid Training
• Employee Incentives & Referral Program

ABOUT SUMMITWEST

SummitWest is a team of over 100 environmental specialists offering services across the western U.S. Our services include wildlife and botanical surveys, construction monitoring, climate studies, GIS mapping, and permitting. We’re known for a caring, fun, safety-focused culture, and value-driven leadership.

OUR VALUES – “SummitWest 5”
• People First
• Accountability
• Transparency
• Leadership
• Safety

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

SummitWest fosters a culture of belonging and encourages authenticity. We promote gender equality, support women in STEM, and use a transparent wage calculator to ensure pay equity.

EEO STATEMENT

SummitWest hires based on qualifications and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any protected class.

TO APPLY

Please submit the following to:recruitment@summitwestenv.com
• Resume
• Brief cover letter detailing interest & qualifications
• Three references
• Any compensation expectations or special considerations

Note: Applications without a cover letter and references will not be considered.