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ROLE OVERVIEW

Are you passionate about contributing to the success of environmental compliance in construction and natural resource projects? SummitWest (SWE) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Staff Wildlife Biologist to join our dynamic team. This role is perfect for early/entry-level career biologists with some field experience who are looking
to expand their skillset while working on meaningful projects across California and beyond.
As a Staff Wildlife Biologist, you will play a critical role in ensuring construction projects comply with environmental regulations. From eld surveys to construction monitoring, you’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to projects that balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship.
If you’re organized, motivated, and ready to grow your career in environmental consulting, we’d love to hear from you!

ROLE DESCRIPTION & DUTIES
Under the guidance of Project Managers, Environmental Coordinators, and Environmental Schedulers, the Staff
Wildlife Biologist will support natural resource projects throughout California and beyond.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Construction Monitoring: Oversee environmental compliance during construction, including worker awareness programs, pre-construction surveys, and real-time site monitoring.
● Field Surveys: Conduct botanical, wildlife, and/or wetland eld surveys across a variety of diverse terrains and weather conditions.
● Data Management: Use ESRI software and other tools for data collection, quality control, and report preparation.
● Compliance Advising: Work with contractors to ensure they adhere to mitigation measures and regulatory requirements.
● Team Collaboration: Maintain open and concise communication with project teams, contractors, and clients.
● Reporting: Prepare daily reports, technical studies, and compliance documentation.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Provide biological desktop support, including assisting with project management tasks.
● Travel to various project sites throughout California and occasionally to other states, including Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and beyond.
● Perform biological survey fieldwork for wildlife, botanical resources, and habitat assessments, including presence/absence surveys, and endangered species surveys, independently or as part of a team.
● Monitor environmental compliance by coordinating with project managers, engineers, and construction contractors. This includes conducting worker environmental awareness programs, on-site monitoring with construction crews, and post-construction analysis.
● Utilize electronic data collection methods and manage project data. This includes preparing daily technical reports, technical studies, and full project reports.
● Work remotely while being self-sucient, trustworthy, and adhering to company standards, including maintaining safety and professional Code of Conduct per company policies.
● Safely operate company or personal vehicles used for work purposes in compliance with the company’s Driving Policy.

PLEASE NOTE:

This is an environmental consulting job, not a conservation job. Unlike conservation roles, which strive to protect the environment at all costs, this position focuses on helping construction contractors remain in compliance with environmental laws and mitigation measures, ensuring the client avoids issues by advising contractors on where,
when, and how work can take place to prevent delays in construction. These determinations are often made prior to deployment into the field, or sometimes in conjunction with the contractors on site. It is vital to ensure that they are not working without our knowledge and requires clear and concise communication with multiple team members, crews, and departments.

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

● Bachelor’s Degree or higher in biology, ecology, environmental studies or related field and 6+ months of experience in biological field work and/or environmental consulting (with BS)
● OR a minimum of 3 years of biological field experience (preferably in environmental consulting)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

● Technologically proficient with handheld electronic devices and proficient in computer software includingExcel, MS Word, Google Sheets.
● Prociency in GPS tools, Survey123, and data collection software.
● Strong technical writing and problem-solving skills.
● Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
● Ability to work both independently and within a team.
● Strong observational skills for recording and reporting environmental resources.
● Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
● Self-motivated; strong initiative, and ability to work remotely with only remote supervision.

PHYSICAL READINESS:

● Ability to hike long distances (10+ miles a day) over rugged terrain and work in extreme weather conditions with reasonable accommodations.
● Comfortable working in environments with potential safety risks, such as wildlife encounters, construction hazards, and extreme weather.
● Ability to carry up to 25 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

● Must be based in California.
● Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (Motor Vehicle Records check required).
● Carry valid vehicle insurance for personal vehicles used for Company purposes, or be insurable under Company’s liability insurance policy for use of Company Vehicles.
● Authorized to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.
● Successful clearance through SummitWest background check (upon employment).
● Adherence to and support SummitWest’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

● 4x4 driving experience.
● Background in California eld work or environmental consulting.

EXPECTATIONS

● Available for a minimum of 20 hours per week, with flexibility for additional hours depending on project needs.
● Maintain up-to-date scheduling and communicate changes promptly.
● Ability to check your email daily and be available by phone during working hours.
● Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to work.
● Exhibit teamwork and adaptability in dynamic and challenging work environments.
● Submit all deliverables, reports, or requested changes within deadlines.
● Ability to meet the physical demands of eldwork with reasonable accommodations.
● Frequent travel and ability to drive to project sites.
● Cognitive ability to plan travel, use maps or GPS systems, and perform accurate data entry.

WORKING CONDITIONS

● Fieldwork: Work in a variety of settings, including coastal, inland, and desert environments, and can include hiking over rugged terrain and long distances, inclement weather, and driving into remote areas, on and off-road.
● Travel: Willingness to travel long distances for projects, potentially for multiple weeks at a time, with occasional overnight stays. While these are likely to include hotel lodging, overnight travel for work in more primitive conditions may sometimes be required.
● Risks: Exposure to potential hazards, such as dangerous wildlife (e.g. ticks, bees, rattlesnakes, scorpions, mountain lions, bears), hostile public, dangerous driving conditions, construction site hazards, and extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, sleet or snow).

LOCATION
Various locations throughout California, including but not limited to Bakersfield, Fresno, Kernville, Lancaster, Victorville, and Visalia.
Occasionally, work may also extend to Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and beyond.

SALARY
$22 - $28 per hour, dependent on skills and experience.

STATUS
On-call/Non-Exempt. Hours are flexible and can range anywhere up to 40+ hours per week depending on season, employee preference and availability, location, and client needs.

BENEFITS

● Eligible for Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
● May become eligible for Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision)*
● May become eligible for 401(k) with matching contribution*
● May be eligible for cell phone stipend
● May become eligible for educational stipend
● Paid training opportunities
● Employee incentives and Employee Referral Program
*Eligibility is dependent on duration of work and workload (hours per week)

ABOUT US
At SummitWest, we believe in putting people first—both our team members and our clients. We’ve created an environment where people want to work: one that is caring, fun, and safety-focused. Our success is built on the foundation of strong leadership, accountability, and transparency, principles that guide everything we do and are extended to everyone we work with.
We are a team of passionate environmental consulting specialists dedicated to providing cutting-edge natural resource management services. From wildlife and botanical surveys to construction monitoring, climate change studies, GIS mapping, permitting, and urban planning, we deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges.

JOB DESCRIPTION
With a team of 100 experts, we pack a big punch in terms of knowledge, expertise, and the diversity of projects we manage across the western United States. At SummitWest, every project is an opportunity to make an impact—on the environment, on our clients, and on the communities we serve.
If you’re looking to join a team that’s dynamic, forward-thinking, and values its people, SummitWest is the place for you!