Staff Biologist Jobs
Staff Biologist jobs are open across environmental consulting, federal agencies, pharmaceuticals, and conservation nonprofits, at every level from entry-level field technician to senior staff, with specializations in ecology, molecular biology, and regulatory science. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Biologist - Monitor to join our Natural Resources team supporting projects in Morgan Hill. In this role, you will provide biological monitoring support for a variety of environmental and construction-related projects, helping to ensure compliance with project requirements and environmental commitments. You will work closely with project teams in the field, documenting observations, communicating monitoring results, and supporting the delivery of high-quality environmental consulting services to our clients.
This position is a full-time, regular (with benefits), hourly/non-exempt opportunity with varying work schedules based on project needs, construction activities, seasonal considerations, and monitoring requirements.
Depending on project needs, this position may require significant field presence to support biological monitoring activities and construction compliance efforts throughout the region. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to support project delivery and contribute to successful environmental outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to build technical field skills, gain hands-on experience with biological monitoring programs, and grow your career in environmental consulting.
Assistant Staff Biologist: Typically, with one (1) year of relevant industry experience and expertise- Staff Biologist: Typically, with up to two (2) years of relevant industry experience and expertise.
Field Supervisory Responsibilities: Depending upon project assignments, this role may serve as the lead for field survey crews, independently directing daily work activities, promoting safe and productive work practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback in support of successful project delivery.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.
About SWCA:We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.
- Assists with tasks to collect, manage, analyze, and/or summarize data in the field, lab, or office. Expected to work efficiently to complete assigned tasks in a manner that ensures the data and findings are accurate, complete, and verifiable. Assigned tasks have clear objectives that may be accomplished through implementation of standardized or routine actions and analysis, and reporting tasks involve mostly descriptive summaries of findings.
- Drafts written summaries of task activities for technical reports and planning documents, including tables, text, and graphics as appropriate to the task.
- Supports coordination with stakeholders, including landowners, clients, and agency staff.
- Communicates frequently and openly with team members and supervisors to ensure that task objectives and methods are clearly understood, task progress is shared, and questions or needs are promptly addressed. This includes initiating and/or responding to communication requests before, during, and after task implementation as part of a real-time, collaborative work effort.
- Follows directions, safety and quality protocols, and other established procedures to complete tasks successfully and with accountability.
- Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
- Performs related work as assigned.
Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities
- Coordinate field activities with project managers, construction crews, environmental specialists, and regulatory representatives to support environmental compliance objectives.
- Work closely with CPUC third-party monitors, client representatives, construction contractor personnel, and environmental compliance staff to coordinate field efforts and support project compliance requirements.
- Interpret and apply project environmental requirements identified in CEQA documentation, including Mitigated Negative Declarations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs.
- Coordinate and schedule pre-construction surveys and environmental monitoring activities.
- Conduct environmental compliance inspections, stormwater inspections, biological monitoring, nesting bird surveys, and biological evaluations and assessments.
- Collect, identify, and document biological resources, including fauna and flora, using established field methodologies.
- Utilize GPS units, topographic maps, aerial imagery, and other mapping tools to identify project locations, habitat types, and associated landforms.
- Document field observations through photographs and detailed records of habitats, species, landforms, and environmental conditions.
- Support compliance with project permits, mitigation measures, conditions of approval, and applicable environmental plans.
- Follow established field safety check-in, communication, and reporting procedures during field activities
- Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree, with demonstrated awareness and interest in one or more technical area.
- Two years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
- One (1) or more years of experience conducting biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, construction monitoring, or related fieldwork.
- Knowledge of California flora, fauna, habitats, and environmental regulations.
- Experience conducting wildlife surveys and biological monitoring, including nesting bird surveys.
- Ability to use GPS units, mobile data collection applications, and other field technology.
- Strong communication, organizational, and technical writing skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
- Ability to travel to project sites and perform extended fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions, including carrying field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two (2) or more years of experience.
- Experience conducting biological monitoring on construction, restoration, or infrastructure projects.
- Experience with habitat assessments, wetland delineations, vegetation surveys, and special-status species surveys.
- Familiarity with special-status species and habitats found in coastal California and the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Experience using GIS software and GPS-enabled field data collection tools.
- Experience preparing technical reports, monitoring documentation, and environmental compliance reports.
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspection experience and knowledge of erosion and sediment control practices
- Willingness to work flexible and variable schedules, including early mornings and extended field days
- Ability and willingness to travel for field assignments, including overnight stays in company-provided lodging
This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.
Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures.
- Assistant Staff Biologist: $25.58 to $33.07 per hour
- Staff Biologist: $28.70 to $37.44 per hour
Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.
As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
Use of Technology in Hiring
Candidate Use of AI
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
#LI-LP1
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff-Level Biologist - Monitor to join our Natural Resources team supporting projects in Morgan Hill. In this role, you will provide biological monitoring support for a variety of environmental and construction-related projects, helping to ensure compliance with project requirements and environmental commitments. You will work closely with project teams in the field, documenting observations, communicating monitoring results, and supporting the delivery of high-quality environmental consulting services to our clients.
This position is a full-time, regular (with benefits), hourly/non-exempt opportunity with varying work schedules based on project needs, construction activities, seasonal considerations, and monitoring requirements.
Depending on project needs, this position may require significant field presence to support biological monitoring activities and construction compliance efforts throughout the region. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to support project delivery and contribute to successful environmental outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to build technical field skills, gain hands-on experience with biological monitoring programs, and grow your career in environmental consulting.
Assistant Staff Biologist: Typically, with one (1) year of relevant industry experience and expertise- Staff Biologist: Typically, with up to two (2) years of relevant industry experience and expertise.
Field Supervisory Responsibilities: Depending upon project assignments, this role may serve as the lead for field survey crews, independently directing daily work activities, promoting safe and productive work practices, communicating project and personnel issues to management, and providing performance-related feedback in support of successful project delivery.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.
About SWCA:We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.
- Assists with tasks to collect, manage, analyze, and/or summarize data in the field, lab, or office. Expected to work efficiently to complete assigned tasks in a manner that ensures the data and findings are accurate, complete, and verifiable. Assigned tasks have clear objectives that may be accomplished through implementation of standardized or routine actions and analysis, and reporting tasks involve mostly descriptive summaries of findings.
- Drafts written summaries of task activities for technical reports and planning documents, including tables, text, and graphics as appropriate to the task.
- Supports coordination with stakeholders, including landowners, clients, and agency staff.
- Communicates frequently and openly with team members and supervisors to ensure that task objectives and methods are clearly understood, task progress is shared, and questions or needs are promptly addressed. This includes initiating and/or responding to communication requests before, during, and after task implementation as part of a real-time, collaborative work effort.
- Follows directions, safety and quality protocols, and other established procedures to complete tasks successfully and with accountability.
- Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
- Performs related work as assigned.
Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities
- Coordinate field activities with project managers, construction crews, environmental specialists, and regulatory representatives to support environmental compliance objectives.
- Work closely with CPUC third-party monitors, client representatives, construction contractor personnel, and environmental compliance staff to coordinate field efforts and support project compliance requirements.
- Interpret and apply project environmental requirements identified in CEQA documentation, including Mitigated Negative Declarations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs.
- Coordinate and schedule pre-construction surveys and environmental monitoring activities.
- Conduct environmental compliance inspections, stormwater inspections, biological monitoring, nesting bird surveys, and biological evaluations and assessments.
- Collect, identify, and document biological resources, including fauna and flora, using established field methodologies.
- Utilize GPS units, topographic maps, aerial imagery, and other mapping tools to identify project locations, habitat types, and associated landforms.
- Document field observations through photographs and detailed records of habitats, species, landforms, and environmental conditions.
- Support compliance with project permits, mitigation measures, conditions of approval, and applicable environmental plans.
- Follow established field safety check-in, communication, and reporting procedures during field activities
- Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree, with demonstrated awareness and interest in one or more technical area.
- Two years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
- One (1) or more years of experience conducting biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, construction monitoring, or related fieldwork.
- Knowledge of California flora, fauna, habitats, and environmental regulations.
- Experience conducting wildlife surveys and biological monitoring, including nesting bird surveys.
- Ability to use GPS units, mobile data collection applications, and other field technology.
- Strong communication, organizational, and technical writing skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
- Ability to travel to project sites and perform extended fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions, including carrying field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two (2) or more years of experience.
- Experience conducting biological monitoring on construction, restoration, or infrastructure projects.
- Experience with habitat assessments, wetland delineations, vegetation surveys, and special-status species surveys.
- Familiarity with special-status species and habitats found in coastal California and the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Experience using GIS software and GPS-enabled field data collection tools.
- Experience preparing technical reports, monitoring documentation, and environmental compliance reports.
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspection experience and knowledge of erosion and sediment control practices
- Willingness to work flexible and variable schedules, including early mornings and extended field days
- Ability and willingness to travel for field assignments, including overnight stays in company-provided lodging
This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.
Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures.
- Assistant Staff Biologist: $25.58 to $33.07 per hour
- Staff Biologist: $28.70 to $37.44 per hour
Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.
As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
Use of Technology in Hiring
Candidate Use of AI
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
#LI-LP1
Staff Biologist Jobs by Experience Level
See All 15 Staff Biologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Staff Biologist JobsStaff Biologist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in staff biologist jobs.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field
- Proficiency with GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS for spatial data analysis
- Experience conducting field surveys, specimen collection, and habitat assessments
- Familiarity with standard laboratory techniques including PCR, microscopy, or cell culture
- Knowledge of relevant federal or state environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act
- Valid driver's license and ability to work in physically demanding outdoor conditions
Tips for Your Staff Biologist Job Search
Tailor your resume to field vs. lab
Staff biologist postings split sharply between field-intensive and lab-based roles. Lead with your most relevant experience first, whether that's species surveys and habitat assessments or PCR, flow cytometry, and cell culture. Mixing both without prioritizing confuses hiring managers.
List your permits and certifications explicitly
Many staff biologist roles require specific credentials like a pesticide applicator license, SCUBA certification, or state wildlife collection permit. Don't bury these in a summary. Put them in a dedicated credentials section so reviewers can confirm compliance at a glance.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists staff biologist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by regulatory context
Filter openings by whether they fall under NEPA compliance, EPA clean water programs, or FDA-regulated research. Each context demands different documentation habits and terminology. Matching your resume's language to the regulatory framework in the posting improves your chances of clearing automated screening.
Prepare a species or methods inventory
Interviewers for staff biologist roles often ask you to walk through the taxa, ecosystems, or laboratory methods you've worked with directly. Prepare a concise mental inventory before your interview so you can answer with specifics, not generalizations, about sample sizes, geographic scope, and protocols used.
Negotiate start dates around field seasons
If you're wrapping up seasonal fieldwork or a contract, tell your prospective employer when you're available and why. Hiring managers in ecology and conservation understand seasonal constraints and often prefer a candidate who names a realistic start date over one who over-promises availability.
Staff Biologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most staff biologists?
Freenome, SWCA Environmental Consultants, and Langan Engineering and Environmental Services are hiring the most staff biologists right now, with openings concentrated in California, Washington, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Environmental consulting firms and federal contractors consistently post the highest volume of openings.
How many staff biologist jobs are remote?
About 100% of staff biologist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote arrangements most common in regulatory review, scientific writing, and data analysis roles. Field biology, lab research, and compliance monitoring positions almost always require in-person or on-site work.
How do you become a staff biologist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, wildlife science, or a related discipline, then build field or laboratory experience through internships, seasonal positions, or volunteer programs with land trusts and conservation organizations. Many employers expect familiarity with GIS, standard sampling protocols, and relevant regulations before hiring at the staff level. A master's degree strengthens your candidacy for research-focused or regulatory roles.
How do you get hired as a staff biologist with little experience?
Focus on seasonal technician roles, AmeriCorps conservation programs, and university research assistant positions, which are explicitly designed for early-career candidates and build the documented field hours that employers want to see. Highlight any coursework projects involving species identification, water quality sampling, or lab protocols. Getting one or two certifications, such as a wetland delineation course or a first aid and CPR credential required for fieldwork, can also set your application apart.
What does the staff biologist interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen focused on your technical background and availability, followed by a panel interview with a hiring manager and one or two senior scientists. Expect detailed questions about specific field methods, data management practices, and how you've handled difficult conditions or unexpected findings in the field. Some employers add a written exercise or ask you to present a past project before making an offer.
Where can I find and apply to staff biologist jobs?
You can find and apply to staff biologist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to each one that fits your experience, location preference, and area of specialization.
See All 15 Staff Biologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Staff Biologist Jobs