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Independent Contractor Wildlife Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Wildlife Biologist (On-Call)

San Jose, CA

AECOM  is seeking a Wildlife Biologist II to help deliver California's most critical surface ... Independent travel will be required. * Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

AECOM

Wildlife Biologist (On-Call)

Oakland, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Wildlife Biologist II to help deliver California's most critical surface ... Independent travel will be required. * Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Chloeta

Wildlife Project Manager

Asheville, NC · On-site

Review contractor and partner performance, reporting, and deliverables * Maintain and manage ... Advanced knowledge of wildlife biology, habitat management, and ecosystem processes * Strong ...

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Independent Contractor Wildlife Biologist information

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How much do independent contractor wildlife biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor wildlife biologist in the United States is $61,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor wildlife biologist?

An Independent Contractor Wildlife Biologist is a self-employed professional who studies and manages wildlife and their habitats. They typically work on a contract basis for government agencies, consulting firms, conservation organizations, or private landowners. Their responsibilities may include conducting field surveys, writing reports, assessing environmental impacts, and advising on conservation strategies. Unlike full-time employees, they handle their own business operations, including contracts, taxes, and project management. This role offers flexibility but requires strong networking and business skills to secure contracts.

What does a typical workweek look like for an independent contractor wildlife biologist?

As an Independent Contractor Wildlife Biologist, your workweek can vary depending on project needs and seasonal demands. You may spend a significant amount of time conducting field surveys, monitoring wildlife populations, or collecting habitat data in diverse and sometimes remote environments. Other days may involve analyzing your findings, writing technical reports, and communicating results with clients or regulatory agencies. Flexibility and autonomy are common, as you often set your own schedule and may balance multiple contracts, making time management an important part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor wildlife biologist?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Wildlife Biologist, you need a solid background in biology, ecology, or a related field—typically with a bachelor's or master's degree—and practical experience conducting field research. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, wildlife tracking tools, field data collection devices, and relevant certifications (such as HAZWOPER or specific state permits) is often required. Strong project management, self-motivation, and excellent communication skills are important for managing multiple clients and collaborating with agencies or stakeholders. These skills enable effective, autonomous work in demanding outdoor conditions while ensuring accurate data collection and reporting for conservation and compliance purposes.

How hard is it to find a job as an independent contractor wildlife biologist?

Finding a job as an independent contractor wildlife biologist can be competitive, as it often depends on experience, specialized skills, and networking within the field. Opportunities may be limited and project-based, requiring self-marketing, relevant certifications, and knowledge of environmental regulations to secure contracts.

Is there a demand for independent contractor wildlife biologists?

The demand for independent contractor wildlife biologists is generally steady, driven by ongoing conservation efforts, environmental assessments, and habitat management projects. These roles often require specialized skills, fieldwork, and knowledge of local ecosystems, with opportunities available through consulting firms, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

Where do wildlife biologists make the most money?

Wildlife biologists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with greater funding for environmental research, such as states or countries with strong conservation programs or government agencies. Additionally, those working in consulting, environmental firms, or with advanced degrees and specialized skills often have higher earning potential. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of projects handled.

Who hires independent contractor wildlife biologists?

Independent contractor wildlife biologists are typically hired by government agencies, environmental consulting firms, research organizations, and conservation groups to conduct field surveys, habitat assessments, and research projects. They often work on a project basis, utilizing skills in species identification, data collection, and environmental regulations.
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Independent Contractor Wildlife Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Wildlife Biologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,173 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Wildlife Biologist (On-Call)

AECOM

San Jose, CA

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago

AECOM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Wildlife Biologist II to help deliver California's most critical surface transportation projects in the Central Coast of California. We are seeking motivated individuals to join our group of more than 100 environmental professionals in the Bay Area.

This is a remote, part-time, on-call position that will join our AECOM Natural Resources team and would support our transportation client in central California, with a focus in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Candidates should be located in one of these counties.

The position would focus on impact analysis for biological and aquatic resources with focus on technical writing including desktop reports and assessments and natural resource field surveys.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to: 

  • Biological compliance monitoring during active construction projects.
  • Surveys for special-status wildlife and nesting birds.
  • Preparation of technical reports to document findings from surveys and monitoring.
  • Preparation of other biological technical reports or permit application packages as needed.
  • Manage and maintain strong relationships with AECOM, client, and construction personnel.
  • Organization of project files and tracking of project schedules.

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line
Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it.  We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.
AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related environmental science field. 
  • 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in biological surveys and monitoring in California.
  • Valid U.S. Driver License is required for this position. Independent travel will be required.
  • Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 4+ years of relevant experience.
  • Knowledgeable about common and special-status California wildlife species. 
  • Experience surveying and monitoring for special-status and protected species that may occur in Central California, such as nesting birds, California condor, California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, tidewater goby, western pond turtle, Swainson’s hawk, Burrowing owl, Yellow billed cuckoo, Snowy plover, Marbled murrelet, Monterey dusky footed woodrat, Steelhead, Green sturgeon, Coho salmon, Western bumble bee, pallid bat, Smith’s blue butterfly, monarch, and others. 
  • Demonstrated proficiency in technical writing with a proven ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate documentation.
  • Central Coast California plant identification skills.
  • Experience conducting aquatic resources delineations is desired but not required.
  • Significant experience supporting transportation projects is desired but not required.
  • Experience on projects in California Coastal Commission justification, including experience with ESHA analysis, is desired but not required.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Has a positive attitude and is adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

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