DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources LOCATION: Las Vegas, Nevada SWCA Environmental Consultants is an employee-owned company of cultural and natural resource scientists and planners. Our professionals specialize in natural and cultural resource management, sustainability services, environmental planning, and regulatory compliance. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, SWCA has offices throughout the West, Pacific Northwest, and Pacific Islands. Since 1981, SWCA has achieved a national reputation for providing its clients with professional integrity as well as creative solutions based on sound science. SWCA ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer an informal, team-oriented work environment, competitive salaries, and a competitive benefits package, including a stock ownership plan. SWCA is soliciting resumes from qualified individuals for the position of Environmental Technician (Biologist) II for our office in Las Vegas, Nevada. The candidate will be required to conduct sensitive species surveys, specifically for the Federally Threatened Mojave desert tortoise. Surveys will include mapping sensitive species locations and documenting findings on data forms and in Trimble GPS units. This position involves hiking up to 10 miles per day in extreme desert conditions. Report preparation will also be required as part of this position. This position is a full-time, hourly position. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: 1. Conduct surveys and collect field data for projects involving endangered species, wetlands and waters of the U.S., habitat mapping, and a variety of other plant and animal life. 2. Monitor project areas during construction or other ground-breaking activities to identify potentially hazardous situations for endangered or threatened species. 3. Work closely with the project manager and construction crews to ensure compliance with Biological Opinions. 4. Record data on field site forms or other forms. 5. Organize field data and enter information into a database for later interpretation. 6. Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms. 7. Conduct biological data/literature searches and reviews, as well as collect data for preparation of technical reports and required documentation for NEPA, CWA, and ESA. OTHER FUNCTIONS: 1. Operate SWCA vehicles, and assures they will perform safely. Notify appropriate person if vehicle needs maintenance. 2. Photograph appropriate habitat, species, and landforms, and data collection and other procedures. 3. Assist project managers at public and/or agency meetings. 4. Locate existing reports and other documents for materials to be included in documents to be written by project managers; will assist with report production. REQUIREMENTS: 1. Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Land Use or Environmental Planning, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. 2. Minimum 1-3 years of experience in related fieldwork. 3. Minimum of 60 eight-hour days (or 480 total hours) experience surveying for and/or monitoring Mohave desert tortoise; or ability to show past approval by the USFWS as an authorized tortoise biologist. 4. Excellent writing skills and ability to record accurate field notes. 5. 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. 6. Ability to take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to assure tasks are completed in the most effective manner. 7. Flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures, and ability to try new, improved techniques. 8. Ability to work as member of a team and individually to make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner. 9. The successful candidate should have flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures, ability to try new, improved techniques, make independent decisions when appropriate to the situation and make adjustments as a member of a team in order to complete tasks in the most efficient and accurate manner. 10. Willingness to travel, work in other states, and camp for extended periods. EXPERIENCE WITH THE FOLLOWING IS A PLUS: 1. Wetland and Jurisdictional waters delineation responsive to the Clean Water Act and permitting under the Act. 2. Sections 7 and 10 of the Endangered Species Act 3. Clark County MSHCP 4. National Environmental Policy Act 5. Specific knowledge of Nevada species, ecosystems, hydrology and/or geology. 6. GIS and GPS (ArcGIS 9.3, Pathfinder, Trimble, Garmin) The pay rate is between $13 and $15 per hour depending on qualifications and experience. Depending on projects, a per diem rate of $39 per day may also be provided in addition to base pay. Applicants will be accepted until positions are filled. How to Apply: Please send your resume, at least three (3) references, and letter of interest to Eric Koster 2820 West Charleston Blvd., Suite 15 Las Vegas, Nevada 89102 Fax: 702.248.3883 Email: ekoster@swca.com Location: Las Vegas, NV Compensation: DOE Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. Please, no phone calls about this job! Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests. nevada