Staff Botanist/Biologist

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ROLE OVERVIEW

Are you passionate about botany, ecology, and environmental consulting? Do you enjoy working outdoors, navigating diverse landscapes, and applying your expertise to real-world environmental projects? SummitWest Environmental is seeking a motivated Staff Botanist/Biologist to join our team and support natural resource projects throughout
California, with occasional work in Oregon, Washington, and beyond.

This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a direct impact. You’ll work in stunning natural environments, conducting botanical and wildlife surveys, mapping vegetation, and ensuring environmental compliance on a variety of projects. Whether you’re identifying rare plant species, overseeing construction monitoring, or using cutting-edge GIS tools like Survey123 and Field Maps, your work will help keep projects in compliance with environmental regulations and mitigation measures.
If you thrive in outdoor environments, enjoy tackling challenges, and want to be part of a dynamic team making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply today to join SummitWest Environmental and take your career to the next
level.

ROLE DESCRIPTION & DUTIES

Under the guidance of Project Managers, Environmental Coordinators, and Environmental Schedulers, the Staff Botanist/Biologist will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Field Surveys: Conduct botanical eld surveys for rare plants, invasive species, vegetation mapping and tree counts, and wetland, and vernal pool ora identication in a variety of environments.
• Construction Monitoring: Oversee environmental compliance during construction, including worker awareness programs, pre-construction surveys, and real-time site monitoring.
• Endangered Species and Habitat Surveys: Perform presence/absence and protocol-level surveys for specialized species.
• Data Management: Use ESRI software and other tools for data collection, quality control, and report preparation.
• Plant Identication and Mapping: Identify and record native and non-native ora using available resources, assist in keying plants, mapping, and data recording under the guidance of Lead and Support Botanists.
• Team Collaboration: Maintain open and concise communication with project teams.
• Reporting: Prepare daily reports and compliance documentation.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide biological desktop support, including assisting with project management tasks.
• Travel to various project sites throughout California and occasionally to other states, including Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and beyond.
• Perform biological survey fieldwork for wildlife, botanical resources, and habitat assessments, including presence/absence surveys, and endangered species surveys, independently or as part of a team.
• Monitor environmental compliance by coordinating with project managers, engineers, and construction contractors. This includes conducting worker environmental awareness programs, on-site monitoring. with construction crews, and post-construction analysis.
• Utilize electronic data collection methods and manage project data. This includes preparing daily technical reports, technical studies, and full project reports.
• Work remotely while being self-sucient, trustworthy, and adhering to company standards, including maintaining safety and professional Code of Conduct per company policies.
• Safely operate company or personal vehicles used for work purposes in compliance with the company’s Driving Policy.

PLEASE NOTE:
This is an environmental consulting job, not a conservation job. Unlike conservation roles, which striveto protect the environment at all costs, this position focuses on helping construction contractors remain in compliance with environmental laws and mitigation measures, ensuringtheclient avoids issues by advising contractorson where, when, and how work can take place to prevent delays in construction. These determinations are often made prior to deployment into the field, or sometimes in conjunction with the contractor’s site. It is vital to ensure that they are not working without our knowledge and requires clear and concise communication with multiple team members, crews, and departments.

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in botany, biology, ecology, environmental studies, or a related field.
• OR a minimum of 3+ years of biological field experience (preferably in environmental consulting), including work with endangered species or in endangered habitats.
• 6+ months of experience in biological fieldwork and/or environmental consulting (with a BS).

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of California plant species and taxonomic classifications.
• Procient in the use of dichotomous keys and understanding of plant phenology.
• Experience with GIS data processing and eld quality control.
• Technologically proficient with handheld electronic devices and proficient in computer software including Excel, MS word, Google Sheets.
• Prociency in GPS tools, Survey123, and data collection software.
• Strong technical writing and problem-solving skills.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Strong observational skills for recording and reporting environmental resources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Self-motivated; strong initiative, and ability to work remotely with only remote supervision

PHYSICAL READINESS:

• Ability to hike long distances (10+ miles a day) over rugged terrain and work in extreme weather conditions with reasonable accommodations.
• Comfortable working in environments with potential safety risks, such as wildlife encounters, construction hazards, and extreme weather.
• Ability to carry up to 25 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be based in California.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (Motor Vehicle Records check required).
• Carry valid vehicle insurance for personal vehicles used for Company purposes, or be insurable under Company’s liability insurance policy for use of Company Vehicles.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.
• Successful clearance through SummitWest background check (upon employment).
• Adherence to and support SummitWest’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4×4 driving experience.
• Background in California eld work or environmental consulting.

EXPECTATIONS

• Available for a minimum of 20 hours per week, with flexibility for additional hours depending on project needs.
• Maintain up-to-date scheduling and communicate changes promptly.
• Ability to check your email daily and be available by phone during working hours.
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to work.
• Exhibit teamwork and adaptability in dynamic and challenging work environments.
• Submit all deliverables, reports, or requested changes within deadlines.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of fieldwork with reasonable accommodations.
• Frequent travel and ability to drive to project sites.
• Cognitive ability to plan travel, use maps or GPS systems, and perform accurate data entry.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Fieldwork: Work in a variety of settings, including coastal, inland, and desert environments, and can include hiking over rugged terrain and long distances, inclement weather, and driving into remote areas,
  on and off road.
• Travel: Willingness to travel long distances for projects, potentially for multiple weeks at a time, with occasional overnight stays. While these are likely to include hotel lodging, overnight travel for work in more primitive conditions may sometimes be required.
• Risks: Exposure to potential hazards, such as dangerous wildlife (e.g. ticks, bees, rattlesnakes, scorpions, mountain lions, bears), hostile public, dangerous driving conditions, construction site hazards, and extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, sleet or snow).

 LOCATION
Various locations throughout California. Occasionally, work may also extend to Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and beyond.

SALARY
$22 and up, depending on skills and experience.

STATUS
On-call/Non-Exempt. Hours are flexible and can range anywhere up to 40+ hours per week depending on season, employee preference and availability, location, and client needs.
Longer-term positions are available with exceptional performance, contribution, and commitment to SummitWest.

BENEFITS

• Eligible for Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• May become eligible for Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision)*
• May become eligible for 401(k) with matching contribution*
• May be eligible for cell phone stipend
• May become eligible for educational stipend
• Paid training opportunities
• Employee incentives and Employee Referral Program
  *Eligibility is dependent on duration of work and workload (hours per week)

ABOUT US
At SummitWest, we believe in putting people first—both our team members and our clients. We’ve created an environment where people want to work: one that is caring, fun, and safety-focused. Our success is built on the foundation of strong leadership, accountability, and transparency, principles that guide everything we do and are extended to everyone we work with.

We are a team of passionate environmental consulting specialists dedicated to providing cutting-edge natural resource management services. From wildlife and botanical surveys to construction monitoring, climate change studies, GIS mapping, permitting, and urban planning, we deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges.
With a team of 100 experts, we pack a big punch in terms of knowledge, expertise, and the diversity of projects we manage across the western United States. At SummitWest, every project is an opportunity to make an impact—on the environment, on our clients, and on the communities we serve.

If you’re looking to join a team that’s dynamic, forward-thinking, and values its people, SummitWest is the place for you!

MISSION & VISION
SummitWest’s mission is to pioneer strategies for the environment. Our Vision is to become established as a dynamic leader in the environmental services industry.