Biological Detection Canine Handler

SWCA Environmental Consultants has an exciting opportunity for a Biological Detection Canine Handler (HR Title = Natural Resources Technician) for a wind energy project in west-central New Mexico, near Springerville, AZ and Quemado, NM. This position will focus on performing biological surveys using a trained dog to locate dead or injured animals under turbines. The position will require data collection using a tablet.

This is a temporary, hourly position. Workload will require 44-54 hours every 2 weeks; therefore, 0-54 hours per week. The work will be conducted from March 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025 (20 survey periods), with an initial training period in Texas in February 2025. Preference will be given to local candidates. Additional natural resources work at other projects may be available depending on the candidate's preferences and project needs.

This position will close on January 24, 2025.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice.

• Execute fatality searches at a wind farm using a trained dog.
• Download appropriate data and report downed wildlife
• Use field and office equipment related to performance of tasks, such as tablets, digital cameras; operate systems for computers and Microsoft products
• Conduct field surveys, collect data, and organize project related information that will be used for report preparation under the guidance of a project manager / resource specialist.
• Assist with coordination of equipment, meeting materials, or other project related items as directed
• Follow project safety and communication protocols.
• Operate SWCA or personal vehicle during on and off-road conditions.
• Exhibit flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures, 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.

• Experience with dog handling for biological surveys. Dog handling equipment (specialized vehicle, dog crates, etc.) a plus.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in field data collection, or similar experience, preferred
• Knowledge of regional bird and bat identification preferred
• Ability to gather data accurately and legibly
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions and schedules including some evening and weekend work
• Physical ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours, in sometimes inclement weather conditions, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds
• Experience using Field Maps and Survey 123 applications, and geodes preferred

Why Work at SWCA:

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.

We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer a supportive, team-oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits, including an 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).

At SWCA, we support our team members in developing their careers to make them leaders in their industry. Our Career Landscape initiative is a process and guide designed to help develop chart rewarding career paths for employees at SWCA. We encourage professional conference attendance, internal and external professional development and training programs, education reimbursement, a Science and Leadership Program, and bonuses for publications meeting certain criteria. All regular status employees are eligible to participate in SWCA medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life and disability plans, and are eligible to participate in the SWCA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Flagstaff, AZ based position can expect an hourly rate of $19.24- $25.48/hr. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

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.

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