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Bird Survey Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to perform biological surveys, nesting bird surveys and construction monitoring in Northern California (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Oakland, East Bay)

$18/hr

The Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) seeks a lead field technician to conduct crepuscular call back surveys for Black Rails and other secretive marsh birds in high marsh habitats within ...

The Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) seeks a lead field technician to conduct crepuscular call back surveys for Black Rails and other secretive marsh birds in high marsh habitats within ...

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

Field Biologist (Field Based)

Fresno, CA · On-site

$35.09 - $38.46/hr

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

On-Call Biologist

Redding, CA · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Nesting bird survey experience * Special-status species survey experience * Botany experience * Wetland delineation experience * 10(a)(1)(A) permits Education and Experience * Minimum of a BA/BS ...

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

Field Biologist (Field Based)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$35.09 - $38.46/hr

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

On-Call Biologist

Eureka, CA · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Nesting bird survey experience * Special-status species survey experience * Botany experience * Wetland delineation experience * 10(a)(1)(A) permits Education and Experience * Minimum of a BA/BS ...

Field Biologist (Field Based)

Fresno, CA · On-site

$35.09 - $38.46/hr

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in the Bakersfield to Shaver Lake, CA area

On-Call Biologist

Chico, CA · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Nesting bird survey experience * Special-status species survey experience * Botany experience * Wetland delineation experience * 10(a)(1)(A) permits Education and Experience * Minimum of a BA/BS ...

On-Call Biologist

Redding, CA · On-site

$56K - $82K/yr

Task duties include: * Assist and/or lead fieldwork assignments, as needed, such as nesting bird surveys, vegetation community assessments, wetland delineation and classification, special-status ...

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in the Bakersfield to Shaver Lake, CA area

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

Field Biologist (Field Based)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$35.09 - $38.46/hr

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in Sacramento, San Jose, Livermore, Oakland ...

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Bird Survey information

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$14

$31

$48

How much do bird survey jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for bird survey in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Bird Survey position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Bird Surveyor, you need strong field identification skills, attention to detail, and a background in biology, ecology, or environmental science. Familiarity with GPS devices, bird survey protocols (such as point counts or transect surveys), and data recording software is commonly required, along with certifications like a valid driver’s license or specific wildlife permits. Excellent observational, communication, and teamwork skills help you adapt to changing field conditions and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills ensure accurate data collection and reporting, which are critical for research, conservation, and environmental management efforts.

What does a typical day look like for a Bird Surveyor?

A typical day for a Bird Surveyor often starts early, with time spent in the field conducting bird counts using standardized methods like point counts, transects, or area searches. After collecting data, you may enter observations into digital systems, review audio recordings, and sometimes participate in habitat assessments. The role often involves travel to various sites and working outdoors in different weather conditions, sometimes as part of a small team. Collaboration with biologists, ecologists, and local landowners is common, ensuring that data is shared and used effectively. Overall, the balance of fieldwork and data management provides variety and meaningful contributions to environmental conservation.

What is a Bird Survey job?

A Bird Survey job involves observing, identifying, and recording bird species in a specific area to assess their populations and habitats. This data helps guide conservation efforts, environmental impact assessments, and scientific research. Surveyors may work in various environments, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas, often using binoculars, field guides, and audio recordings. The job may require early morning or seasonal work, as birds are most active at certain times. Strong bird identification skills and knowledge of ecology are typically necessary.

More about Bird Survey jobs
What cities are hiring for Bird Survey jobs? Cities with the most Bird Survey job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Bird Survey jobs? The most popular types of Bird Survey jobs are:
What states have the most Bird Survey jobs? States with the most job openings for Bird Survey jobs include:
Infographic showing various Bird Survey job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.
Field Biologist (Field Based)

Field Biologist (Field Based)

The ERM International Group Limited

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$35.10 - $38.46/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to perform biological surveys, nesting bird surveys and construction monitoring in Northern California (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Oakland, East Bay). Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a challenging and changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project. The role of a Field Biologist requires technical skills, as well as strong organizational and communication skills. This is a full-time (20+ hours/week), fixed-term role with a duration of 5 months. Local candidates preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform nesting bird surveys.
  • Conducting nesting bird counts.
  • Perform biological surveys for CA species (including botanical)
  • Biological monitoring for construction projects
  • Electronic data collection.
  • Handheld and sub-meter accurate GPS data collection.
  • Daily reporting and survey report compilation.
  • Potential to help with office/desktop work as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • 2+ years of experience in field biology.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
  • Experience with nesting bird surveys and raptor survey experience a plus.
  • Experience with biological surveys for CA species. Botany is a plus.
  • Experience with construction monitoring.
  • Familiarity with nesting bird survey protocols and/or general bird identification skills required.
  • Ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and on challenging terrain.
  • Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography).
  • Must have a strong attention to detail in documentation of work.
  • Must have strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Desire to work in the field for extended period and maintain a positive attitude.
  • Willingness and ability to travel with overnight stays possible.
  • Demonstrated independent and effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
  • A strong commitment to safety and safety procedures.
  • Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.

Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.
At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.
Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. Based on review of these responses, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Thank you for your interest in ERM!
Pay Transparency:
For the Field Biologist position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $73,000 - $80,000, $35.10/hr- $38.46/hr, limited-term, non-exempt. An employee's pay position within this range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs. We also may have instances where employee's fall outside of the range based on the factors noted above. This job may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/Flexforce employees are NOT bonus eligible).
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life & disability insurance to benefits eligible* employees.
*Benefits Eligibility is limited to Regular employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week. Fixed-Term employees (including Flexforce) who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours a week or more are eligible for a limited benefits package. Casual employees are NOT benefits eligible. See your recruiter for more details.
You can apply for this role through https://www.erm.com/careers/apply/ or through the internal careers portal if you are a current employee.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, determinable, and payable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

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About ERM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

City of London, Greater London, GB

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