Assistant Project Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Project Biologist to join our growing team in the Southeast, with a strong preference for candidates based in the Atlanta area. This individual will report to a Project Manager and be part of a team that works primarily with one of our key oil and gas (O&G) clients, supporting a variety of environmental projects across the region.

In this role, you will apply your expertise in natural resources management to support and lead components of field investigations, data analysis, reporting, and regulatory compliance under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and related environmental laws. The position offers a balanced mix of field and office-based work, along with opportunities for professional growth and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), hourly position with the option of a hybrid work arrangement from one of our Southeast offices, with a preference for the Atlanta area, depending on project needs.

• Perform environmental reviews and permit exercises for oil & gas pipeline assets from Texas to Pennsylvania

• Assist project and crew leaders with a variety of natural resources field studies, including wetland delineations, vegetation and habitat assessments, avian and wildlife surveys, threatened and endangered species assessments, ecological restoration activities, soils surveys, and rare and/or invasive plant surveys.

• Accurately record and manage field data using tablets, standardized field forms, and digital data collection tools.

• Utilize topographic maps, aerial imagery, GPS, and other resources to determine project locations, document habitat types and landforms, and support accurate data interpretation.

• Operate 4-wheel drive and off-road vehicles safely in diverse terrain and weather conditions.

• Support project managers in data organization, analysis, and preparation of technical reports, figures, and permit applications for compliance under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and other relevant environmental regulations.

• Balance field and office responsibilities based on seasonal workloads and project requirements.

• Take responsibility for field safety, including developing and implementing safety plans when applicable, maintaining awareness of potential hazards, and promoting a strong safety culture within project teams.

• Depending upon project, an element of your job could be to supervise a small crew while conducting environmental fieldwork. This includes:

• independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;

• ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;

• serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;

• receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Wildlife Biology, Wetland Science, or a related field.

• At least 3 years of professional experience in natural resources consulting, environmental permitting, or related fieldwork.

• Demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and species surveys in the Southeast.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital data collection tools.

• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

• Ability and willingness to travel and work outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related discipline.

• Experience supporting environmental permitting for pipeline or linear infrastructure projects.

• Experience with FERC-regulated linear oil and gas projects.

• Familiarity with O&G industry environmental compliance requirements.

• Professional certifications (e.g., WPIT, AWB, CERPIT, CESSWI, or similar) or ability to obtain them.

• Strong taxonomic skills and knowledge of regional flora and fauna.

Additional Information

• Must pass a motor vehicle records (MVR) screening.

• Availability for travel, sometimes on short notice, and occasional extended field assignments (including nights and weekends).

• Ability to work safely in challenging outdoor environments and weather conditions.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 100% employee-owned company that offers a full range of environmental services. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges, all while staying true to our commitment to employee ownership. At SWCA, we live our core values every day: we collaborate as #OneSWCA, we're #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices across the country, we're proud to be one of the largest environmental compliance firms in the U.S. and to rank among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. In alignment with this commitment, we post good faith pay ranges in all job postings. An employee in this Georgia or Southeast USA-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $26.78 to $33.99/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 (https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

We offer a supportive, team-focused work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits-including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future. At SWCA, we're committed to helping our team members grow into industry leaders. Our award-winning Career Landscape program offers a clear and structured path to meaningful career development. We support your growth through conference attendance, internal and external training, education reimbursement, our Science and Leadership Program, and bonuses for qualifying publications. All regular-status employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, as well as access to our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCA's 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

SWCA continues to invest in our people. We value the skills and experience of our internal team members and strongly encourage qualified employees to apply for open positions. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible, offering meaningful opportunities for career growth.

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

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.

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