Aquatic Resources Field Lead - Staff Biologist

$23 - $30/Yr

Swca - Bismarck, ND

Full-time - Entry Level

Bismarck, ND

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Applicants must have valid driver's license and be able to meet SWCA's driver requirements.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits package
• Forward-thinking workplace flexibility
• Outstanding corporate culture
• Award-winning career development