Wildlife Biologist

*****Hiring Wildlife Biologists and Botanists at all levels. Salary is dependent upon experience and skills. Resumes submitted without the minimum qualifications will not be considered.*****

Please read the following:
1. Your application MUST come with a cover letter telling us about your wildlife/botanical field survey experience. If you have experience with species that occur in California, please elaborate. If you do not have California species experience, please suggest how your current experience might translate.
2. Applications without a cover letter will be rejected for not following instructions
3. We are not relocating candidates from out of state; if you do not live in California please include your plans to relocate (to where, date) in your cover letter

ROLE OVERVIEW

Are you passionate about leveraging your biological expertise to ensure environmental compliance in construction and natural resource projects? SummitWest (SWE) is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and detail-oriented Wildlife Biologist to join our team.

In this role, you will play a critical part in helping construction contractors remain compliant with environmental laws, avoiding project delays while protecting sensitive species and habitats. From field surveys to construction monitoring, you’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to projects that balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. This is an excellent opportunity for mid-level professionals to expand their skills and contribute to impactful projects across California and beyond.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work on diverse projects, mentor junior staff, and grow your career in environmental consulting. If you're ready to make a difference while advancing your professional goals, we want to hear from you—apply today and join our dynamic team!

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 field 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 writing.
• Compliance Advising: Collaborate with contractors to ensure they adhere to environmental 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.
• Mentorship: Mentor and train junior staff to improve their technical capabilities and fieldwork proficiency.
• Quality Control: Conduct thorough reviews of field data and reports to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

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.
• Assist in the oversight of SWE projects or assignments, including correspondence and coordination with other SWE employees, clients, and construction crews.
• 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-sufficient, 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:

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in biology, ecology, environmental studies, or a related field OR a minimum of 3 years of biological field experience (preferably in environmental consulting).
• 3 years of experience in wildlife, botanical, or wetland surveys, including work with endangered species or in sensitive habitats.
• 2 years of compliance monitoring experience.
• Must possess at least one endangered species permit or have documented progress toward obtaining one (e.g., USFWS, CDFW, or similar).

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Technologically proficient with handheld electronic devices and proficient in computer software including Excel, MS word, Google Sheets.
• Strong organization and time management skills, with the ability to work on and multiple tasks/projects with tight deadlines.
• 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 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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:

• 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.

EXPECTATIONS

• Be 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 every day and be available by phone on your working days, during working hours.
• Be professional, proactive, punctual, and enthusiastic.
• 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 fieldwork with reasonable accommodations.

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

$23 - $45 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.

Full-time positions may become available with exceptional performance, contribution, and commitment to SummitWest.

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.

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!

MISSION & VISION

SummitWest's mission is to pioneer strategies for the environment. Our Vision is to become established as a dynamic leader in the environmental services industry.

WHY WORK WITH US?

At SummitWest, we’re more than just an employer—we’re your partner in achieving your career goals while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. As an employee-driven company, we prioritize your growth and well-being through a range of supportive initiatives and opportunities. At SummitWest, we create a supportive, growth-oriented environment where you can thrive professionally and personally.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Mentorship & Training: Enhance your skills with expert guidance.
• Flexible Schedules: Achieve a healthy work-life balance.
• Career Growth: Enjoy clear paths for advancement.
• Varied Work Options: Remote and desktop project opportunities.
• Proposal Training: Gain experience in proposal writing.
• Regular Feedback: Stay on track with performance reviews.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a supportive, team-oriented environment.
• Open Communication: Benefit from an open-door policy with supervisors.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $23.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have surveying California flora and fauna and/or wildlife?

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $23 - $45