Biologist​/Botanist - Arizona; Phoenix, Tucson, or Flagstaff

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is looking for a Staff Biologist/Botanist (HR Title = Staff Biologist) with a strong botany background to support projects throughout Arizona
, reporting to either the Flagstaff, Phoenix or Tucson office. This role offers a hybrid work environment supporting field and reporting tasks for projects related to land development, transmission, mining, Federal and State regulatory work, renewable energy, and oil and gas clients. A key element of this job is to work independently and, in some cases, serve as a field lead for environmental surveys.

While the position will be based in one of the Arizona offices, projects may require periodic travel out of Arizona within the greater Southwest.

This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, with benefits and is eligible for remote work from locations allowing reasonable access to projects in Arizona, with up to 80% of work in the field. Applicants must have a valid driver s license and be able to meet SWCA s driver requirements. Applicants must be willing to participate in drug testing and alcohol screening as part of the pre-employment process, as some projects require such screenings.

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.

• Conduct natural resource field surveys, with an emphasis on identifying and surveying flora (native and nonnative species) within the Southwest region (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico). Fieldwork may involve long days, multi-day field hitches in remote areas, and occasional weekends working remotely.
• Serve as a field lead for natural resource surveys, supervising biological survey crews, overseeing quality data collection, and troubleshooting field issues.
• Use GIS applications, including ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Online, to complete data collection in the field.
• Organize and assist with QA/QC and analysis of field data.
• Prepare technical reports with oversight by Senior staff.
• Work in a multi-discipline team, collaborating with biologists, water resource specialists, cultural resource experts, environmental scientists, and planners to conduct natural resource assessments.
• Provide support to ecological restoration projects including feasibility assessments, planning, restoration construction oversight, maintenance and performance monitoring, reporting, visual presentations, and overall project management with support from Senior staff.
• Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
• Be an active member in the ongoing development of SWCA s Restoration Practice Group.
• For staff biologist positions, depending on the project, an element of the job may be to independently supervise a biological survey crew in the field, including directing activities, ensuring responsibilities are understood, communicating issues to senior managers, resolving field issues, and monitoring team productivity with timely performance guidance.

• At least 1 year of experience in environmental consulting or related field with a focus on botany and/or habitat restoration.
• Bachelor of Science in biology, botany, restoration ecology, landscape architecture, environmental science, or related field.
• Experience conducting botanical surveys and/or special-status plant surveys.
• Experience using dichotomous keys and other identification manuals to identify plants to the species level.
• Experience in identifying and monitoring non-native plant species.
• Knowledge or experience identifying Arizona flora and fauna, including the Colorado Plateau and desert regions.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and conducting quality control checks on field data using current protocols and tools.
• Interest in learning about supporting ecological restoration project monitoring.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to work in a team; ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles and travel to field sites, sometimes challenging conditions; ability to walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours and carry up to 40 pounds; valid driver s license.

• Three (3) or more years of experience in environmental consulting or related field with a focus on botany and/or habitat restoration.
• Masters of Science degree in biological, landscape architectural, environmental sciences or other related fields.
• Experience conducting wildlife surveys.
• Experience guiding weed adaptive management, treatment techniques, and timing.
• Direct experience with restoration and re-vegetation techniques and overseeing implementation including hydroseeding, seeding, container…