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Desert Tortoise Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Burrowing owl, Desert Tortoise, and native plant experience preferred. * Ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and on challenging terrain. * Working knowledge of sub-meter ...

Wildlife Education Curator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$56K - $100K/yr

Manages the Department's non-releasable live wildlife collection and the Desert Tortoise Adoption Program, assuring that all operations comply with established procedures, professional standards and ...

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$56K - $100K/yr

Manages the Department's non-releasable live wildlife collection and the Desert Tortoise Adoption Program, assuring that all operations comply with established procedures, professional standards and ...

Desert Tortoise information

See Arizona salary details

$21.8K

$64.8K

$97.1K

How much do desert tortoise jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for desert tortoise in Arizona is $64,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,291.00 and $97,087.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a desert tortoise?

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 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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Desert Tortoise jobs in Arizona?

For Desert Tortoise jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Desert Tortoise jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Desert Tortoise jobs in Arizona are:

Infographic showing various Desert Tortoise job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,799 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with plant and wildlife surveys for habitat assessments, special-status species, and other project requirements

  • Assist with wetland delineations, jurisdictional determinations, and other aquatic resource surveys using current agency protocols

  • Provide biological monitoring and oversight for construction projects, restoration implementation, and restoration maintenance


Langan rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands-on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work.

Consistently ranked among the top ten "Best Firms to Work For" and Engineering News-Record's top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.

 Job Summary

Langan is seeking an On-Call Staff Biologist to join its collaborative team in Phoenix, AZ This individual will support biological surveys, vegetation mapping, environmental permitting efforts, and compliance monitoring for infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, and land development projects throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

Job Responsibilities
  • Assist with plant and wildlife surveys for habitat assessments, special-status species, and other project requirements;
  • Assist with wetland delineations, jurisdictional determinations, and other aquatic resource surveys using current agency protocols, regionally specific methods, restoration monitoring for ongoing projects and other guidance;
  • Provide biological monitoring and oversight for construction projects, restoration implementation, and restoration maintenance;
  • Research regionally-sensitive natural resources, survey requirements, and reporting needs;
  • Assist with development of environmental permitting packages using data collected in the field by Langan or subcontractors;
  • Prepare reports documenting field investigations and analytical results;
  • Perform stormwater monitoring and reporting; and
  • Perform other duties as requested.

Desired Key Species Experience

  • Desert tortoise
  • Sonoran desert tortoise
  • Burrowing owl
  • Western yellow-billed cuckoo
  • Southwestern willow flycatcher
  • Mexican spotted owl
  • Chiricahua leopard frog
  • Special-status cacti and rare desert flora
  • Sonoran Desert vegetation communities
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, or related field;
  • 2+ years of field experience in Arizona or the Southwest;
  • Familiarity with ESA compliance and Arizona biological resources regulations;
  • Experience conducting field surveys in desert environments;
  • Experience with GIS and GPS-based field data collection;
  • Ability to travel extensively throughout the Southwest region.

Langan provides a rich array of programs and benefits to help its employees advance their careers and enhance the quality of their lives. Our comprehensive compensation package includes: full-time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off including parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and educational reimbursement.

Langan offers employee resource groups; flexible work schedules; extensive training; wellness programs; buddy and mentoring programs; and much more!

Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well-being and success of our employees.


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