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Desert Tortoise Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conducting protocol-level desert tortoise surveys. * Electronic data collection using Field Maps and Survey123 applications. * Working as a member of large team of biologists. * Daily reporting.

Conducting protocol-level desert tortoise surveys. * Electronic data collection using Field Maps and Survey123 applications. * Working as a member of large team of biologists. * Daily reporting.

Conducting protocol-level desert tortoise surveys. * Electronic data collection using Field Maps and Survey123 applications. * Working as a member of large team of biologists. * Daily reporting.

SpecPro is seeking a motivated professional to lead the Mojave Desert Tortoise Monitoring, Translocation, and Husbandry operations at Ft. Irwin, CA. This Program Manager role is ideal for an ...

SpecPro is seeking a detail-oriented Biological Data Analyst to support the Mojave Desert Tortoise Monitoring, Translocation, and Husbandry program at Fort Irwin, California. This position will ...

Experience with Mojave Desert Tortoise * Experience with construction monitoring and/or conducting field surveys, including tortoise surveys * Valid recovery USFWS permits for listed species (Mojave ...

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Desert Tortoise information

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$22.5K

$66.7K

$100K

How much do desert tortoise jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for desert tortoise in the United States is $66,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges wildlife biologists face when working with desert tortoises in the field?

Wildlife biologists working with desert tortoises often encounter challenges such as extreme temperatures, remote work locations, and the need to minimize disturbance to the tortoises and their habitats. Fieldwork may involve long hours walking through rugged terrain, collecting data on tortoise health, movements, and habitat conditions. Additionally, biologists must navigate permitting requirements and collaborate with land managers and conservation organizations to ensure their research supports both regulatory compliance and conservation goals.

What are Desert Tortoises?

Desert tortoises are a species of land-dwelling reptiles native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They are well adapted to arid environments, spending much of their lives in burrows to escape the extreme heat. Desert tortoises are known for their high-domed shells, slow movement, and long lifespans, sometimes exceeding 50 years in the wild. As a threatened species, they are protected by law, and their populations are closely monitored to prevent further decline.

What is the difference between Desert Tortoise vs Wildlife Biologist?

AspectDesert TortoiseWildlife Biologist
Required CredentialsTypically a biology degree, field experience, and permits for handling reptilesBiology or environmental science degree, research experience, and fieldwork skills
Work EnvironmentDesert habitats, field research, conservation sitesVaried environments including labs, field sites, and offices
Industry UsageWildlife conservation, environmental agencies, research projectsResearch institutions, government agencies, NGOs

The Desert Tortoise is a specific species-focused role often involved in conservation and habitat management, while a Wildlife Biologist has a broader scope, studying various species and ecosystems. Both roles require biology background and fieldwork, but the Wildlife Biologist typically engages in wider research activities across multiple species and environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Desert Tortoise, and why are they important?

I'm sorry, but 'Desert Tortoise' is not a real-world professional occupation, so I cannot provide a skills and qualifications overview for this role.
More about Desert Tortoise jobs
What cities are hiring for Desert Tortoise jobs? Cities with the most Desert Tortoise job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Desert Tortoise jobs? The most popular types of Desert Tortoise jobs are:
What states have the most Desert Tortoise jobs? States with the most job openings for Desert Tortoise jobs include:
Infographic showing various Desert Tortoise job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,742 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist

Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist

Colorado State University

Lancaster, CA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description
Position Summary:
Multiple Desert Tortoise Natural Resource Specialist positions are available to be hired for an ongoing, multi-year project on Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB). Positions are hourly, as-needed, and expected to be less than 120 hours over the course of 9 months. Individuals hired are not guaranteed a set schedule. Schedules will be coordinated with both CEMML and DoD staff. Individuals will be hired based on project needs and candidate experience and expertise. Scheduling of field activities may occur several months to only a few days in advance. This posting will be used to fill desert tortoise Authorized Biologist positions. We are also seeking individuals able to perform the duties of a desert tortoise Monitors (less experience required), please apply to that position separately if you do not meet the qualifications for an Authorized Biologist.
Full Consideration Date:
Applications will be accepted and positions filled on a rolling basis.
Organization:
The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions to sustain our resources for future generations. To learn more about CEMML's contributions to land management and our mission, vision, and values, please visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.
Location:
The Edwards AFB-based CEMML team employs wildlife, vegetation, and restoration specialists that support the Air Force mission. Our projects include vegetation surveys, sensitive habitat management, nuisance wildlife response, and other wildlife projects that involve small and large mammals, raptors and migratory birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Essential Job Duties:
Desert Tortoise Natural Resources Specialists will primarily support the Mojave Desert tortoise compliance and monitoring program on Edwards Air Force Base. Field work will be the primary duty for these positions. Work will consist of pre-and post-activity surveys for desert tortoise and their sign, communication with project proponents to ensure compliance with minimization measures, coordination with multiple parties to schedule surveys, post-field reporting and data entry. Support for other natural resource projects may occur as needed. The CEMML team at Edwards AFB operates entirely on military lands, as a result, field work may be cancelled with little notice due to military activities.
Conditions of Employment:
Must have a valid driver's license and be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Supervision:
This position will not supervise other employees.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • The candidate must have the experience and training necessary to be approved as a desert tortoise Authorized Biologist by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This generally requires significant and recent experience handling and surveying for wild desert tortoises. Note: CEMML will facilitate the actual review and approval process with the US Fish and Wildlife Service for the candidate. Please contact us to request a blank application form if you have not previously been authorized. All offers for the Authorized Biologist position are contingent on USFWS approval

  • Ability to work in challenging field conditions (heat, cold, carrying heavy equipment, ability to walk long distances)

  • Demonstrated adaptability to field work related issues (health and safety conscious and able to perform equipment troubleshooting)

  • Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license by the employment start date

  • The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States by proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

  • Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Previous experience as a Desert Tortoise Monitor or Authorized Biologist

  • Previous experience with on-site environmental compliance and construction monitoring, specifically related to desert tortoise

Applicant Instructions:
Applications will be accepted and positions filled on a rolling basis. To apply for this position please submit the following:
  • A resume/CV
  • A cover letter highlighting your experience related to desert tortoise handling/monitoring/surveying, experience with Mojave ecosystem work, any experience working within the Department of Defense (with particular emphasis on support at Edwards AFB), how you meet the Minimum Qualifications, why you are applying for the position, and confirmation that you understand this is a part-time as-needed position.

Point of contact for any inquiries:
Christina Herron-Sweet, Wildlife/Technical Lead christina.herron-sweet@colostate.edu
Alison Haigh, Wildlife Biologist alison.haigh@colostate.edu
Salary Range
$50-70/hour
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Special Required Documentation
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • Review our detailed benefits information here.
  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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About Colorado State University

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Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

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Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

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