1

Desert Tortoise Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpecPro is seeking motivated professionals to support field operations for a Mojave Desert Tortoise (MDT) Monitoring Project at Ft. Irwin, CA. We are specifically seeking individuals proficient in ...

CRLF, Burrowing Owl, CTS, Desert Tortoise, Kit Fox, preferred. * Required to maintain a Class C driver's license, including participating in Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN), with DMV. * Conduct a ...

Operate environmental field equipment as necessary Promotes awareness of environmental issues among employees Inspection and management of obligations for the protection of the desert tortoise and ...

Operate environmental field equipment as necessary Promotes awareness of environmental issues among employees Inspection and management of obligations for the protection of the desert tortoise and ...

Inspection and management of obligations for the protection of the desert tortoise and other protected species. * Assist with hazardous waste management and inspections * Conduct fieldwork to ...

Operate environmental field equipment as necessary Promotes awareness of environmental issues among employees Inspection and management of obligations for the protection of the desert tortoise and ...

Field Biologist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$21.63 - $31.25/hr

CRLF, Burrowing Owl, CTS, Desert Tortoise, Kit Fox, preferred. * Required to maintain a Class C driver's license, including participating in Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN), with DMV. * Conduct a ...

Showing results 41-60

Desert Tortoise information

See salary details

$22.5K

$66.7K

$100K

How much do desert tortoise jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,742 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

$30 - $39/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Looking for meaningful fieldwork with a company that values science, collaboration, and flexibility? HELIX Environmental Planning is growing, and we're seeking motivated As-Needed Biologists to support our Southern California biology team during our busy field seasons. This As-Needed Biologist role is ideal for early to mid-level  professional biologists who thrive in the field, enjoy diverse projects, and want flexible, as-needed work with a respected environmental consulting firm. If you're an As-Needed Biologist ready to make an impact, we want to hear from you.


Why HELIX?

HELIX Environmental Planning is a California-based, employee-owned environmental consulting firm known for technical excellence, collaboration, and integrity. As an As-Needed Biologist, you'll join a supportive team that values high-quality science, safety, and professional respect. This is an as-needed, hourly position with variable hours, commonly ramping up during the spring and peak field seasons-perfect for professionals seeking flexibility while working on meaningful environmental projects. 


Day in the Life

As an As-Needed Biologist, your days will be spent in the field across Southern California-conducting construction monitoring, performing bird surveys, mapping vegetation, and supporting restoration and infrastructure projects. You'll coordinate schedules with project managers, document field conditions, and contribute to projects that protect sensitive biological resources.


What You'll Do

  • Conduct terrestrial biological monitoring for construction and restoration projects
  • Perform biological surveys including bird surveys, vegetation mapping, and focused species surveys (including rare plants)
  • Maintain accurate field notes, maps, and project documentation
  • Manage your workload and coordinate schedules with project managers
  • Deliver high-quality work products on time and within budget
     

Compensation

$30 - $39 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. 


Ready to put your field expertise to work? Apply today to join HELIX Environmental Planning as an As-Needed Biologist and be part of a team making a real environmental difference across Southern California.


HELIX is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.


PM21

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or related field

Minimum 2 years of professional terrestrial biology experience (environmental consulting required)

Experience with Southern California terrestrial flora, fauna and rare plant identification

Experience with construction monitoring and/or conducting field surveys, including bird surveys

Ability to hike long distances over varied terrain and weather conditions

Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record


Preferred Qualifications

Valid recovery USFWS permits for listed species (e.g., coastal California gnatcatcher, Quino checkerspot butterfly)

Valid Scientific Collecting Permit (SCP) from CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife

Previously approved by CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife as a Designated Biologist on projects

Experience with least Bell's vireo, Arroyo toad, desert tortoise and/or burrowing owl surveys

Experience preparing biological monitoring reports

Experience conducting surveys and monitoring for desert plant and wildlife species in Southern California