Job Information
SWCA Environmental Consultants Senior Biologist in Durango, Colorado
About the opportunity
SWCA Environmental Consultants' New Mexico/Four Corners team is actively seeking to fill a Senior Biologist position. This position is a career growth opportunity to join SWCA's expanding environmental practice.
The role is a permanent, full-time position that will be based out of our Albuquerque, NM office. Candidates residing in Albuquerque, NM or New Mexico are preferred. Highly qualified remote-based candidates in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, or Utah will also be considered.
Application deadline: 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. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission. What you will accomplish
Project Management & Technical Leadership:
Serve as project manager and technical lead on natural resources focused and multi-disciplinary projects, managing budgets, schedules, quality, and staff safety. Independently lead projects/tasks from start to finish, including large and complex projects in the region. Supervise, mentor, and provide project technical support to staff- and project-level biologists and field teams. Conduct or lead natural resources studies, including threatened/endangered species habitat assessments, protocol-level surveys, environmental assessments, and biological reports. Organize, review, and transfer field data while ensuring accuracy in technical reports and permit applications under regulations including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Prepare reports and permit documents as the primary author and perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) for energy projects of various types and sizes. Work closely with project teams, SWCA resource scientists, and planners to complete biological resource management and planning projects across multiple disciplines. Drives compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety. Regulatory Expertise & Business Development:
Act as a subject matter expert (SME) and regulatory expert, providing guidance on compliance with ESA, NEPA, and other local, state, and federal regulations. Build and maintain relationships with regulators and facilitate stakeholder agreements to ensure project success. Lead complex and controversial project design efforts, balancing regulatory requirements and client needs. Find new business opportunities, drive sales, and pursue repeat clients by leveraging expertise in biological and regulatory consulting. Lead and contribute to large, regional, and sometimes national proposals while partnering with Client Managers on MSA or contract management. Engage in technical and industry organizations with leadership roles at the regional level, staying ahead of market trends and best practices. Develop technical standards for the sub-region and region while actively overseeing safety plan implementation to ensure compliance and best practices in fieldwork. Experience and qualifications for success
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's (B.A. or B.S.) degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in Natural Resources, consulting experience is preferred. Three (3) years of natural resources (or related) project management experience, including: Multi-disciplinary/complex project management Key client management Business development/expanding services with existing clients Scope of work and budget development Experience working on projects across multiple industries preferred, including wind, solar, oil and gas, and transmission. Proven track record of managing federal/state environmental regulatory compliance including oversight of and ability to develop applications, regulatory documents, ability to consult on compliance strategies, related to the following: Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and National Environmental Policy Ac Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to pass a motor vehicle screening. Preferred qualifications: Demonstrated experience in supervising, mentoring, and providing leadership for other professionals. Professional Certifications including PMP and Certified Wildlife Biologist. Experience with permitting and compliance for utility and energy related projects. Experience supporting project planning and impact mitigation strategy development.
Why Work at SWCA:
SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, 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