Assistant Biologist - Shorebird Monitor

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Staff Biologist-Shorebird Monitor to support the Amherst, MA office for a project in the New York City area.

This is an hourly, non-exempt, temporary position from March 21 through September, with the possibility for extension until November, 2026. The expected work schedule is 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday.

• Provide daily monitoring of active construction site from 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday–Friday in all weather conditions.
• Act as a liaison between construction crews and project managers
• Coordinate with construction crews
• Monitor breeding bird locations
• Construct and maintain symbolic fencing
• Coordinate with project partners
• Complete individual tasks of medium complexity or duration with oversight
• Work independently on standard tasks, under the direction of a PM
• Coordinate land access, field crew progress, and data transfer and management
• Execute data collection in the field through self and others
• Perform a broad range of tasks related to a variety of wildlife, plant, upland, and aquatic resources
• Complete field data QA/QC
• Perform basic data synthesis and analysis
• Write deliverable sections under direction
• Apply broad knowledge of regulations or guidelines to job
• Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards

• Bachelor's in biology, ecology, conservation, or related field.
• Prior shorebird monitoring experience and ability to be approved as a shorebird monitor by state and federal agencies.
• Ability and confidence to work independently and effectively communicate with contractors, regulators, and the public
• Ability to be approved as a qualified shorebird monitor by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

• 2 field seasons of shorebird monitoring experience
• Experience with piping plover and red knot birds, and other state or federally protected shorebirds in New York.

• Ability to work closely with other biologists, have full hearing and color vision
• Current eligibility to work in the U.S.
• A valid driver’s license

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.

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.

Final date to receive applications:
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.

An employee in this Amherst, MA position can expect an hourly pay rate of $21.32 to $27.56/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.

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.

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  or call  This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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