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Desert Tortoise Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

brs

Authorized Biologist

Fort Irwin, CA

Irwin. This is a authorized Biologist role, ideal for individuals who thrive in hands on ... Experience with Mojave Desert Tortoise * Experience with construction monitoring and/or conducting ...

ERM

Field Biologist (Field Based)

Los Angeles, CA

$96K/yr

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.

ERM

Field Biologist (Field Based)

San Diego, CA

$96K/yr

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.

WSP

Senior Biologist

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

Support biological field survey efforts in Nevada, including surveys for rare plants and threatened, endangered, and Sensitive wildlife species, specifically desert tortoise. * Assist with additional ...

ERM

Field Biologist (Field Based)

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$96K/yr

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.

WSP

Senior Biologist

Las Vegas, NV

Support biological field survey efforts in Nevada, including surveys for rare plants and threatened, endangered, and Sensitive wildlife species, specifically desert tortoise. * Assist with additional ...

brs

Biology Data Analyst

Fort Irwin, CA

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 ...

brs

Program Manager

Fort Irwin, CA

Supervise and coordinate field biologists, biologist team leads, GIS and data specialists, subcontractors, and independent contractors supporting Mojave Desert Tortoise monitoring, translocation ...

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Desert Tortoise Biologist information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do desert tortoise biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for desert tortoise biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do wildlife biologists get paid good?

Wildlife biologists, including desert tortoise biologists, typically earn a median annual salary around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may pay less, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on government, nonprofit, or private sector employment and may include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Is there a demand for wildlife biologists?

There is steady demand for wildlife biologists, including those specializing in desert tortoise conservation, as environmental awareness and habitat protection efforts increase. Employment opportunities are often found in government agencies, research institutions, and conservation organizations, with skills in field research, data analysis, and environmental regulations valued highly.

What is the highest paying job in wildlife?

In wildlife careers, senior roles such as wildlife managers, conservation directors, or research scientists often have the highest salaries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills, and they may involve leadership responsibilities and fieldwork in challenging environments.

What is a Desert Tortoise Biologist job?

A Desert Tortoise Biologist studies, monitors, and protects desert tortoise populations, primarily in arid regions like the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. They conduct field surveys, track tortoise movements, assess habitat conditions, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Their work often supports conservation efforts, research studies, and land management planning. They may collaborate with government agencies, environmental organizations, and researchers to develop strategies for species protection. This role requires knowledge of ecology, wildlife biology, and regulatory guidelines related to endangered species.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Desert Tortoise Biologist position, and why are they important?

Desert Tortoise Biologists require a solid background in wildlife biology, ecology, and field research methods, often supported by a degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Experience with GPS, GIS software, radio telemetry, and relevant permits such as Section 10(a)(1)(A) authorization for handling protected species is highly valuable. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate well with multidisciplinary teams help biologists excel in both independent fieldwork and group projects. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, regulatory compliance, and successful conservation of the desert tortoise.

What are the authorized biologist requirements for desert tortoise?

Authorized biologists working with desert tortoises typically need a biological background, relevant field experience, and certification in species-specific survey methods such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's desert tortoise survey protocols. They must also adhere to state and federal regulations, including permits for handling and monitoring the species, and often require training in tortoise ecology and conservation practices.

What does a typical day look like for a Desert Tortoise Biologist?

A typical day for a Desert Tortoise Biologist often involves extensive fieldwork, such as conducting population surveys, tracking tortoise movements, and monitoring habitats, sometimes in remote desert locations. You may spend time collecting data, recording observations, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, as well as caring for tortoises during research activities. When not in the field, the role includes tasks like analyzing data, preparing reports, and collaborating with environmental consultants, agencies, or conservation partners to develop management plans. This balance of outdoor and office work provides a dynamic schedule and the opportunity to make a direct impact on species preservation.

More about Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Desert Tortoise Biologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs? The most popular types of Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs are:
What states have the most Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs are:
Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Desert Tortoise Biologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Locum Tenens, 9% As Needed, 73% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.
Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist

Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist

AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC

Las Vegas, NV

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

AKS Engineering and Forestry is seeking a full-time Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist, based in our Las Vegas, NV office. This is a field-heavy role focused on biological surveys, environmental compliance, and technical reporting across energy, infrastructure, and development projects throughout the Southwest. You'll spend significant time in the field conducting wildlife surveys, supporting construction compliance monitoring, and preparing the technical deliverables that keep projects moving. This is a permanent, career-track position for someone who wants to grow with a team.

What You'll Do
  • Conduct and manage field investigations related to wildlife, botanical resources, waters of the United States, wetlands, and other biological and environmental resources.
  • Serve as a Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist on construction and pre-construction projects, including clearance surveys, translocation, and on-site monitoring in compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requirements.
  • Perform nesting bird surveys, habitat assessments, and other species-specific biological surveys as project needs arise.
  • Analyze collected environmental data and compile professional technical reports including data assessment, evaluation, and original written analysis.
  • Prepare summaries and reports on field investigation and inspection results for clients and regulatory agencies.
  • Interface with clients, contractors, construction crews, and regulatory agencies professionally and pragmatically - ensuring project objectives are met while complying with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
  • Prioritize tasks and work autonomously in both office and remote field settings, often independently.
Who You Are
  • You hold a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
  • You are a previously approved U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist. You can provide documentation of prior project authorizations.
  • You have a minimum of 2 years of dedicated field experience conducting biological surveys, wildlife monitoring, or environmental compliance work in the desert Southwest.
  • You are a strong, clear communicator who can work effectively with construction crews, clients, and agency representatives in high-pressure field environments.
  • You approach environmental work pragmatically - you follow the rules, do the work ethically, and keep projects moving forward.
  • You are comfortable working independently in remote field conditions for extended periods, including long field days (9-11 hours).
  • You produce accurate, professional technical reports and written deliverables with minimal oversight.
  • You are organized, self-directed, and reliable - when a survey needs to happen tomorrow, you're ready.
  • You hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Nice to Have
  • BLM-approved botanist status or formal botany training and field experience.
  • Experience with multiple species surveys beyond desert tortoise (nesting birds, raptors, burrowing owls, sensitive plant species).
  • Familiarity with NEPA, ESA Section 7 and Section 10, and state-level environmental permitting in Nevada, California, or Utah.
  • Experience working on energy, transmission, utility, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
  • Prior consulting experience in a private-sector environmental firm.
  • Cross-training potential across multiple biological disciplines.

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