Lead Biologist - Transmission and Renewables

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, mainly 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 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.

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.
• 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 five (5) 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.
• 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 $87,750 - $114,660/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

Not ready to apply? Connect with us for general consideration.