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Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

brs

Authorized & Unauthorized Biologist

Fort Irwin, CA · On-site

Perform biological surveys including tortoise surveys, population surveys, and associated field ... 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.

ERM

Field Biologist (Field Based)

Walnut Creek, 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.

Stantec

Project Biologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

As a Project Biologist with Stantec, you will work in a highly dynamic team environment with other ... and/or desert tortoise will be considered a plus. * Possession of a California Scientific ...

Stantec

Project Biologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Project Biologist with Stantec, you will work in a highly dynamic team environment with other ... and/or desert tortoise will be considered a plus. * Possession of a California Scientific ...

Stantec

Project Biologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking a consulting biologist with a minimum of 2 to 5 years of ... and/or desert tortoise will be considered a plus. * Possession of a California Scientific ...

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Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do internship desert tortoise biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship 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.

What types of fieldwork and data collection can I expect as an internship desert tortoise biologist?

As an Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist, you'll typically participate in hands-on fieldwork such as conducting population surveys, habitat assessments, and radio telemetry tracking of desert tortoises. Daily responsibilities often include collecting data on tortoise locations, health, and behavior, as well as recording environmental conditions. You'll work closely with experienced biologists and collaborate with team members to ensure accurate data collection and compliance with environmental regulations. Fieldwork may involve hiking in remote desert areas and working under varying weather conditions, making adaptability and attention to detail essential. This experience provides valuable exposure to real-world conservation efforts and can serve as a strong foundation for career advancement in wildlife biology.

What is the difference between Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist vs Internship Wildlife Biologist?

AspectInternship Desert Tortoise BiologistInternship Wildlife Biologist
Required CredentialsBasic biology knowledge, relevant coursework, or related certificationsSimilar; often requires coursework in ecology or biology
Work EnvironmentDesert habitats, fieldwork focused on tortoise conservationVarious habitats, fieldwork on diverse wildlife species
Employer & Industry UsageConservation agencies, environmental organizationsGovernment agencies, NGOs, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist typically focuses on desert habitat conservation and tortoise-specific research, while the Internship Wildlife Biologist has a broader scope working with various wildlife species across different environments. Both internships require foundational biology knowledge and are offered by similar organizations dedicated to conservation and research. The main difference lies in the specialization and habitat focus, making each suitable for different career interests within wildlife biology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship desert tortoise biologist?

To thrive as an Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist, you need a background in biology or environmental science, knowledge of wildlife fieldwork, and often enrollment in or completion of a relevant degree program. Familiarity with GPS devices, data collection tools, and wildlife tracking software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and the ability to work independently in remote outdoor environments are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, effective species monitoring, and compliance with conservation protocols critical to protecting desert tortoise populations.

What does an internship desert tortoise biologist do?

An Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist assists with research, monitoring, and conservation efforts focused on desert tortoise populations. Interns typically help with field surveys, data collection, habitat assessment, and sometimes public outreach or education. The role often involves working outdoors in desert environments, handling tortoises, recording observations, and maintaining equipment. This position provides hands-on experience in wildlife biology and conservation, especially for students or recent graduates interested in herpetology or ecology.
More about Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Internship 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 Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs are:
Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Desert Tortoise Biologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.

Approved Mojave Desert Tortoise Health Assessment Biologist

Bristol Bay Native Corporation

Fort Irwin, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

SpecPro is seeking an experienced U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved Mojave Desert Tortoise Health Assessment Biologist to support the Desert Tortoise Translocation and Monitoring Program at Fort Irwin, California.
The selected candidate will conduct pre-translocation health assessments, collect biological samples, document clinical findings, and translocation activities in accordance with applicable USFWS procedures, project-specific permits, approved translocation plans, and contract requirements.
Supervisory Responsibilities
  • None

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct comprehensive Mojave Desert Tortoise health assessments in accordance with current USFWS procedures and project-specific authorizations.
  • Identify and document signs of upper respiratory tract disease, shell disease, trauma, dehydration, malnutrition, ocular or nasal discharge, oral lesions, and other abnormalities.
  • Safely capture, handle, restrain, process, and release Mojave Desert Tortoises while minimizing stress.
  • Collect biological samples as authorized, including blood, nasal lavage, oral or nasal swabs, cloacal swabs, fecal samples, or other diagnostic materials.
  • Properly label, preserve, store, package, and transfer samples in accordance with laboratory and chain-of-custody requirements.
  • Implement approved sanitation, disinfection, and biosecurity procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Immediately report significant clinical findings, mortalities, injuries, disease concerns, or protocol deviations.
  • Coordinate with Program Managers and Field Leads
  • Verify tortoise identification using transmitters, PIT tags, photographs, and project databases.
  • Collect and maintain accurate field data using GPS, tablets, Survey123, ArcGIS, spreadsheets, and approved databases.
  • Complete health assessment forms, sample logs, chain-of-custody records, laboratory submission forms, field notes, and daily production summaries.
  • Follow all applicable USFWS, CDFW, Army, Fort Irwin, safety, biological, and project-specific protocols.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities
  • Advanced knowledge of Mojave Desert Tortoise biology, ecology, anatomy, behavior, disease concerns, handling, and translocation protocols.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently conduct tortoise health assessments and collect biological samples.
  • Ability to recognize normal and abnormal clinical conditions.
  • Knowledge of biosecurity, sanitation, disease-risk reduction, and cross-contamination prevention.
  • Strong technical writing, communication, organization, and field coordination skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple animals, samples, records, and field priorities while maintaining data quality.
  • Proficiency with GPS units, tablets, Survey123, ArcGIS, electronic databases, and Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary field team.
  • Ability to work extended or irregular hours and travel as required.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Required Qualifications
  • Current or documented previous USFWS approval to conduct Mojave Desert Tortoise health assessments.
  • Demonstrated experience independently conducting health assessments and collecting biological samples from Mojave Desert Tortoises.
  • Experience applying USFWS-approved handling, sanitation, biosecurity, and documentation procedures.
  • Experience coordinating with wildlife veterinarians, laboratories, regulatory agencies, or government clients.
  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Veterinary Science, or a related field.
  • Minimum three years of professional wildlife biology experience, including substantial Mojave Desert Tortoise experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Current USFWS Recovery Permit or applicable authorization.
  • Experience supporting large-scale tortoise translocation, disease surveillance, or long-term monitoring programs.
  • Experience preparing health assessment summaries
  • Experience working on Department of Defense installations or in Southern California desert ecosystems.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to safely handle and examine Mojave Desert Tortoises in accordance with approved protocols.
  • Ability to hike long distances over uneven and remote desert terrain.
  • Ability to kneel, crouch, bend, and remain in field positions for extended periods.
  • Ability to work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, wind, dust, and other environmental conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to safely operate a company vehicle on paved and unimproved roads.
  • Ability to wear required PPE and complete prolonged periods of data entry and reporting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Diversity and Ethics
  • Promotes a professional, inclusive, collaborative, and harassment-free workplace.
  • Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, scientific accuracy, and respect.
  • Prioritizes animal welfare, regulatory compliance, safety, and data quality.
  • Immediately reports safety concerns, animal-welfare concerns, data-quality issues, or deviations from approved procedures.
  • Upholds organizational values and applicable ethical standards.

Work Environment
Employees may work in a temperature-controlled office environment while completing reports, reviewing records, entering data, attending meetings, or planning field activities.
Field assignments may involve remote desert environments, active military training areas, temporary holding facilities, extreme temperatures, uneven terrain, dust, wildlife, loud noise, biological materials, disinfectants, and other environmental or occupational hazards. Appropriate training and PPE will be provided.
SpecPro Professional Services, LLC is an environmental, energy, and facility services firm headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and is a subsidiary of Bristol Bay Native Corporation. SpecPro provides environmental and technical services in support of federal, state, and commercial clients nationwide.
Qualified candidates should submit a resume, documentation of applicable USFWS approvals or authorizations, relevant training records, availability, and salary requirements.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, drug screening, driving-record review, and any other applicable pre-employment requirements in accordance with state and federal law.
SpecPro offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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