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Location

Lombard, IL | United States

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Job description

About the opportunity:

SWCA Environmental Consultants’ Chicago office is looking for a talented Project Biologist to join our expanding team. In this dynamic role, you’ll be at the forefront of diverse development projects spanning the eastern United States, making a tangible impact on our environment. As the chosen candidate, you'll serve as a technical expert spearheading efforts in protected bat species management and ecological restoration initiatives. Expect to craft technical reports, lead habitat assessments, and contribute to a spectrum of environmental surveys, including avian surveys, wetland delineations, and species-specific investigations. Candidates with expertise in wetland determinations, endangered species management, or advanced ecological restoration will receive top consideration.

We're seeking an individual with a passion for cultivating a long-term consulting career that combines high-level technical expertise with commercial acumen and leadership. Preference will be given to those with substantial experience in project planning, coordination, or management. Excellent organizational skills, adeptness at multitasking, and strong communication abilities are essential traits we're looking for.

This regular part-time position offers the flexibility of remote work within the Midwest subregion, providing an optimal work-life balance.

What you will accomplish:

• Contribute expertise to the detection, permitting, and management of protected and anticipated protected bat species (Myotis sodalis, Myotis septentrionalis, Perimyotis subflavus, Myotis lucifugus),
• Presence/Probable Absence Surveys (P/A Surveys) and respective permitting and mitigation efforts for development and energy sector projects, with emphasis on renewable energy.
• Assist in securing ESA Section 7 & 10 Incidental Take Permits (ITP) and contribute to Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) development.
• Play a pivotal role in large-scale restoration projects, from planning and permitting to monitoring and adaptive management.
• Mentor junior staff members, fostering their growth and development.
• Conduct thorough biological data and literature reviews, as well as wetland and stream delineations.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms.

Experience and qualifications for success:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Hold a Federal Fish and Wildlife Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit for listed bat species to include, at a minimum, the Indiana bat, gray bat, and northern long-eared bat.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of consulting experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of field experience with bat species in the eastern and central U.S., along with relevant survey techniques.
• At least 1 year of direct experience in ecological restoration, landscaping, construction, or natural resource mitigation plan implementation.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic team environment and various field conditions.
• Current rabies vaccination.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including night work during summer months.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hold a 10(a)(1)(A) permit for Ozark big-eared bats and/or Virginia big-eared bats.
• Demonstrable expertise in wetland delineation, avian survey techniques, or botanical surveys.
• Previous erosion control experience.
• Experience conducting manual review of acoustic survey data.
• Experience in preparing scientific reports and environmental permitting documentation.
• Eagerness to contribute to the growth of our bat program.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions. Ability to walk up to 10 miles per day, often in rugged terrain. May have to carry equipment and/or supplies, weighing up to 40 pounds.

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.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Chicago, IL-based position can expect an hourly rate of $33.00-42.50/hr. 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, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

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.

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.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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 [email protected] or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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Job tags

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Salary