Aquatic Resources Field Lead

SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) is an employee-owned company of cultural and natural resource scientists and planners. Our professionals specialize in natural and cultural resources management, environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and sustainability services. We are seeking an Aquatic Resources Field Lead – Staff Biologist to support both office and field projects in our growing Minnesota/Dakotas team. The selected individual will be part of our natural resources team supporting projects primarily in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, but may also support projects throughout the United States. We work to support our client’s needs across multiple service areas including renewable generation and transmission, oil & gas, mining, water resources, and ecological restoration.

This is a regular (with benefits), full-time, hourly position, based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Highly qualified remote (= distributed) employees in Minnesota, the Dakotas, or nearby states will also be seriously considered. 

A Staff Biologist performs field, office, laboratory, and research tasks while working with and supervising crew members.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm with 1,600 employees, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. 

What you will accomplish

• Serve as a crew lead for various natural resources field studies, including aquatic resources, wildlife habitat assessments, and vegetation and rare plant surveys.
• Lead field crews, as applicable, providing guidance on safety, sampling protocols, field data management, and coordination with the project manager and senior natural resources leads.
• Conduct aquatic resources delineations, vegetation surveys, soil surveys, general biological surveys, habitat assessments, and baseline studies.
• Perform evaluations and assessments in support of the Clear Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
• Organize equipment and logistical arrangements for field sessions.
• Record data on GPS units and field site forms or other forms.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms.
• Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and landforms.
• Operate 4-wheel drive and off-road vehicles in all terrains and weather conditions.
• Assist project managers in data organization, interpretation, and report preparation as needed.
• Adhere to SWCA’s safety procedures and standards of scientific and professional ethics.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, natural resources, soil science, botany, or related life sciences field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience conducting wetland delineations and assessments in diverse wetland environments including the Northern Great Plains and Midwest.
• Experience identifying hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology indicators.
• Experience identifying vegetation in the Northern Great Plains and Midwest.
• Experience conducting habitat assessments for threatened and endangered species.
• Ability to work an irregular schedule and travel to the field up to 80% of the time, including spending up to 2 to 3 weeks at a time at a field location.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions, walk up to 10 miles per day, often in rugged terrain, and carry equipment and/or supplies, weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Knowledge of survey and monitoring techniques and the ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
• Must have ability to take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to assure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• Ability to record accurate field notes and communicate effectively with project management team.
• Must have excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Experience using GIS collection software and hardware.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Technical writing experience.
• Ability to author reports and complete other office tasks that will require working on a computer for extended periods.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn and comply with company operational and safety procedures.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive or learn to drive ATVs, UTVS, and other off-road vehicles and haul trailers.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in biology, environmental science, natural resources, soil science, botany, or related life sciences field.
• Knowledge of regulatory acts, such as the federal Clean Water Act, Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act, Endangered Species Act, etc., and the permitting requirements associated with them as well as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Public Waters Work Permit program.
• Experience working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Completed training courses offered by Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources and/or certification with the Minnesota Wetland Professional Certification Program.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to learn, have fun, and grow into increasing responsibilities in a positive work environment.

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 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 the Minnesota/Dakotas team position can expect a rate of $23.00/hour to $30.00/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.

SWCA Environmental Consultants continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.