Natural Resources Job Board

Senior Wildlife Biologist

SummitWest Environmental (Private) | https://www.summitwestenv.com

Details
Application Deadline:
10/01/2025
Published:
05/14/2025
Starting Date:
after 5/13/2025
Ending Date:
after 9/30/2025
Hours per Week:
1 - 50
Salary:
starting at $38 per hour
Education Required:
Masters
Experience Required:
at least 10 years
Location:
remote work allowed
Description
ROLE OVERVIEW:
 Are you ready to leverage your expertise and take on a leadership role in the field of environmental consulting? At SummitWest, the Senior Wildlife Biologist at SummitWest is a subject matter expert who will leverage their extensive experience in wildlife, botanical,  or wetland field surveys to support natural resource projects throughout California and occasionally in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and beyond.

The Senior Wildlife Biologist will lead field surveys, mentor junior staff, guide project planning, and assist with report preparation, permitting, and client coordination. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit to manage projects in a variety of terrains and weather conditions. 

If you’re motivated by dynamic challenges, enjoy mentoring the next generation of professionals, and excel at driving compliance success in the field, this is the opportunity for you.

ROLE DESCRIPTION & DUTIES:
The Senior Wildlife Biologist will conduct diverse natural resource tasks under the guidance of Project Managers, Environmental Coordinators, and Environmental Schedulers. Duties 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.
  • Endangered Species and Habitat Surveys: Perform presence/absence and protocol-level surveys for specialized species, requiring Recovery permits. 
  • Data Collection and Management: Utilize ESRI software and other tools for data collection, quality control (QC), and report writing.
  • Compliance Support: Provide biological desktop reviews, create permitting packages, assist with GIS mapping, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Project Oversight: Guide proposal submissions, budget development, project planning, and assist in bid interviews and client meetings.
  • Team Collaboration: Maintain open and concise communication with project teams, contractors, and clients.
  • Reporting: Prepare technical studies, daily monitoring reports, and compliance documentation.
  • Mentorship and Leadership: Train and mentor junior staff while serving as a subject matter expert for technical guidance.
  • 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:
  • PhD, or MSc in biology, ecology, environmental studies or related field, OR a cumulative 10+ years of experience in biological field work and/or environmental consulting (only 4+ years required in addition to the PhD; 8+ years in addition to the MSc).
  • 7+ years working with endangered species or habitats.
  • 4+ years of compliance monitoring experience.
  • Must hold at least two (2) endangered species permits (from 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: 
  • 4x4 driving experience.
  • Background in California field work or environmental consulting.

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:
$38+ 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.
 
OUR VALUES:
This position should model the “SummitWest 5 Values”:
  • Accountability
  • Flexibility
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Motivation
  • Communicating Effectively

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.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION:
We believe in fostering a culture of belonging that allows applicants and employees a safe place to authentically express themselves and encourages building long-lasting, meaningful relationships. We embrace our team's differences, understanding that our differing collective experiences and opinions increase our effectiveness as a whole. We believe in this effectiveness, our company culture will flourish.
 
SummitWest is proud to support women in STEM by empowering women to take their careers in their own hands, offering mentorship and training, and growth opportunities. SummitWest utilizes a wage calculator to ensure all staff are evaluated equally based on skills, qualifications, and education. We strive to close pay gaps and provide pay transparency for all staff.

EEO STATEMENT:
We believe in hiring employees based on their qualifications and skills. We do not discriminate against any protected class including, but not limited to, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status.
 
TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit a resume and brief cover letter detailing your interest, qualifications, three references, and any special considerations or compensation expectations. All submissions should go to recruitment@summitwestenv.com
 
Resumes received without a cover letter or references will not be considered.
 
Contact
Christina Wenborne
7142252173
christina@summitwestenv.com (preferred contact method)