Staff-Level Biologists

About the Role

• Conduct wildlife, vegetation, and wetland field surveys following scientific protocols, including baseline studies, habitat assessments, and reclamation monitoring. • Collect, manage, and verify natural resources data in the field and office, ensuring accuracy and completeness. • Utilize topographic maps, aerial photos, GPS, and GIS tools to locate project areas, habitats, and species. • Photograph and document habitats, species, and landforms according to ecological classification standards. • Operate SWCA vehicles safely, perform routine checks, and report maintenance needs. • Perform field work in remote, rugged, high‑altitude conditions, carrying up to 40 lb of equipment and walking up to 12 miles daily. • Communicate proactively with team members and supervisors to clarify tasks, share progress, and address questions. • Support projects across sectors such as renewable energy, oil and gas, transmission, transportation, mining, and government agencies. • Adhere to SWCA safety program, identify hazards, and promote safe practices for self and others.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸field surveys
• ▸data management
• ▸gis mapping
• ▸habitat documentation
• ▸remote fieldwork
• ▸safety compliance

What You Bring

SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding its Salt Lake City team and seeking temporary staff-level biologists with backgrounds in botany, wildlife biology, wetland ecology, or environmental science. Positions are hourly, support natural resources projects across Utah and the Intermountain West, and favor candidates familiar with local flora and fauna, field surveying, and 4x4/ATV/trailer towing. Applicants must work outdoors 40+ hours per week, can be scheduled flexibly, and must agree to drug and alcohol screening. Three hiring levels are offered—Natural Resources Technician (few months experience), Assistant Staff Biologist (up to one year), and Staff Biologist (up to two years). For the assistant and staff levels, duties may include independently supervising a biological survey crew, assigning tasks, ensuring quality, communicating with senior managers, handling complaints, and monitoring productivity. • Hold a B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field. • Demonstrate experience in field‑based natural resources data collection with strong attention to detail and QA/QC practices. • Possess familiarity with Intermountain West flora and fauna; botany or wetland delineation experience is a plus. • Be proficient with Microsoft Office 365, ArcGIS, and related software. • Maintain a valid driver’s license and meet SWCA driver requirements, including 4‑wheel‑drive vehicle operation on rugged roads. • Ability to work long outdoor days (up to 14 consecutive days) and travel to remote sites. • Work independently and as part of a small, dynamic team with excellent collaboration. • Exhibit strong communication and organizational abilities. • Maintain a positive attitude and resilience in challenging field environments. • Demonstrate commitment to safety and ability to identify and mitigate hazards.

Requirements

• ▸biology degree
• ▸field data
• ▸arcgis
• ▸office365
• ▸4wd license
• ▸collaboration

Benefits

Salary ranges are posted for transparency: Natural Resources Technician $19.24–$25.48 /hour, Assistant Staff Biologist $21.32–$27.56 /hour, Staff Biologist $23.92–$31.20 /hour. SWCA is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply.

Work Environment

Field

Interview Process

-interviews scheduled on a rolling basis after application review.