Assistant Staff Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA is seeking an Assistant Staff Biologist for the Philadelphia, PA office (located in West Chester). This position will primarily focus on supporting local industrial stormwater sampling needs, wetland delineation, stream identification, botanical surveys, habitat assessments, and technical report writing to assist Project Managers with pre-construction, regulatory, and/or permitting requirements associated with the energy sector projects.

This position offers a mixture of field and office work assignments.  However, it is expected that up to 50% of time will be related to fieldwork, with fieldwork primarily in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia, and Ohio (much of the field work will involve local day trips to facilities in the Tri-state area). This position includes some travel and at times will require hiking in rugged conditions.  A successful candidate should have the flexibility and willingness to work in a team setting, learn protocols & procedures as well as the ability to develop new skills, improved techniques; make independent decisions when appropriate to the situation; and make adjustments as a member of a team in order to complete tasks in the most efficient and accurate manner possible.

This position is a full time, hourly position.  Competitive pay will be based on individual qualifications and experience. Travel, including overnight stays, will be required for the position. Depending on projects, overtime and per diem may also be possible in addition to base pay.

What you will accomplish

Primary duties of this role include:

• Assist and lead stormwater and wastewater sampling efforts in the Tri-state area.
• Assist environmental surveys including wetland and stream assessments, botanical and wildlife presence/absence surveys, habitat assessments, and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Implement and interpret topographic maps, aerial imagery, work with GPS units, and other scientific tools and equipment under arduous field conditions.
• Collect observational and spatial data in the field, and prepare technical/survey reports for natural resources studies.
• Assist with quality evaluations of collected data.
• Preparation of site evaluation reports under the direction and oversight from Natural Resource Specialists.
• Take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedural processes for natural resource studies.

Experience and qualifications for success

Required

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Water Resources, Botany, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Science, Natural Resource Management, related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability safely drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads.
• The ability to travel to work sites locally and regionally, and accommodate multiple overnight stays to complete fieldwork efforts is required.
• Familiarity with GPS devices and digital data collection, and/or mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Must be willing to participate in e-verify and pre-employment background screening services including client required drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred

• Up to one (1-2) years of relevant environmental industry experience (public or private sector).
• Experience collecting and handling environmental samples.
• Applied experience with mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Working knowledge of botanical species taxonomy and ability to identify species in the field with particular preference for Northeast and Midwest botanical species.
• Knowledge of Federal and State environmental regulations and guidance – particularly Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Ohio regulations
• Previous botanical experience
• Wetland Certification Training Course
• Previous experience in wetland delineation following the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual, the Eastern Mountains & Piedmont Regional Supplement, and the Northcentral & Northeast Regional Supplement as typically acquired through one (1) year of professional experience.
• 40-hour HAZWOPER Training

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. With 39 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. We offer an informal, team-oriented work environment, competitive salaries, and a competitive benefits package, including a stock ownership retirement plan.

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 Philadelphia-based position can expect a hourly rate of $21.53–$27.83/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.

SWCA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

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