Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Authorized Mojave Desert Tortoise Field Biologists to join us and conduct field surveys and construction monitoring for various projects in the Mojave Desert.

This is a full-time, regular position based out of our Las Vegas, Nevada office. To be considered, please submit a resume along with contact information for three professional references and your Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist Request Form.

This role is primarily a field position that may require short-term travel away from home and long hours and may also include office tasks such as data analysis and report preparation. Work schedule varies by season but typically consists of five to six 8- to 12-hour workdays per week, with overtime possible. Vehicles provided. Travel to and from the Las Vegas office to the project area is paid.

A key aspect of this position will be leading, coordinating, and completing desert tortoise field surveys and construction monitoring. You will be responsible for taking the field crew leader's role, supervising field staff, and interacting with clients.

• Monitor project areas during construction or other activities that could be destructive to habitat or potentially hazardous to endangered or threatened species.
• Take initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are met effectively.
• Maintain high-quality field data and enter information into a database for later interpretation.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools during fieldwork.
• Photograph appropriate habitat, species, and landforms, and collection and other procedures.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in biological surveys.
• Previous U.S. Fish and Wildlife approval as an Authorized Mojave Desert Tortoise Biologist is required.
• Diverse experience with desert southwest plants and wildlife is preferred.
• Detail-oriented and capable of adhering to established protocols.
• Ability to record project data accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Experience with avian and/or bat identification is a plus
• The ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes inclement weather conditions, including walking at least 10-miles in rugged terrain carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds, is a must.
• Willing and able to work construction hours, including being flexible when crews need to work longer hours than anticipated that day.

Drug and alcohol screening policy

The candidate hired for this position may be assigned to work with an SWCA client, which requires mandatory pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Candidates applying for this role should be willing to comply with this requirement.

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 800-828-8517. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.