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Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valiant

Approved Wildlife Biologist

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

Ability to meet California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Approved Biologist requirements for Mojave Desert Tortoise and other Sensitive, Threatened, and Endangered Species found in the ...

Erm

Desert Tortoise Field Biologists (Field Based)

Elko, NV · On-site

$35.16 - $39.56/hr

For the Desert Tortoise Field Biologist position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $73,148 - $82,290, $35.16/hr - $39.56/hr, limited-term, non-exempt. An employee's pay position within this range ...

ERM

Desert Tortoise Field Biologists (Field Based)

Elko, NV · On-site

$35.16 - $39.56/hr

For the Desert Tortoise Field Biologist position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $73,148 - $82,290, $35.16/hr - $39.56/hr, limited-term, non-exempt. An employee's pay position within this range ...

ERM

Field Biologist (Field Based)

Los Angeles, 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.

ERM

Field Biologist (Field Based)

San Diego, 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.

Stantec

Project Biologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Conduct overnight travel within and outside of southern California. Qualifications Your ... and/or desert tortoise will be considered a plus. * Possession of a California Scientific ...

Stantec

Project Biologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Conduct overnight travel within and outside of southern California. Your Capabilities and ... and/or desert tortoise will be considered a plus. * Possession of a California Scientific ...

Stantec

Project Biologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

Conduct overnight travel within and outside of southern California. Your Capabilities and ... and/or desert tortoise will be considered a plus. * Possession of a California Scientific ...

Stantec

Project Biologist

San Diego, CA · On-site

Conduct overnight travel within and outside of southern California. Your Capabilities and ... and/or desert tortoise will be considered a plus. * Possession of a California Scientific ...

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Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist information

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$48.5K

$94K

$133.5K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for overnight desert tortoise biologist in the United States is $93,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an overnight desert tortoise biologist do?

An Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist is responsible for monitoring and protecting desert tortoises during nighttime hours, particularly during construction or research projects in their habitat. Their work often includes conducting surveys, relocating tortoises to safe areas, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They may also collect data on tortoise behavior and habitat conditions, and report any potential threats to the species. By working overnight, these biologists help minimize disturbance to tortoises, which are more active during cooler nighttime temperatures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an overnight desert tortoise biologist?

To thrive as an Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist, you need a background in biology, ecology, or wildlife management, often supported by a relevant degree and field research experience. Familiarity with GPS devices, data collection software, and regulatory compliance (such as USFWS permits) is typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and the ability to work independently in challenging nighttime desert conditions are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, adherence to conservation protocols, and the safety and effectiveness of fieldwork during nocturnal hours.

What unique challenges do overnight desert tortoise biologists face, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologists often work in remote desert environments during nighttime hours, which presents unique challenges such as navigating rugged terrain in low light, dealing with extreme temperatures, and ensuring personal safety from wildlife. Applicants should be comfortable working independently, possess strong outdoor survival skills, and be prepared for irregular sleep schedules. Familiarity with field equipment, such as GPS units and headlamps, and a solid understanding of desert tortoise behavior will help candidates adapt quickly and perform effectively in these conditions.

What is the difference between Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist vs Field Biologist?

AspectOvernight Desert Tortoise BiologistField Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology or related field, wildlife or conservation certificationsBachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science
Work EnvironmentDesert habitats, often remote, overnight stays requiredVaried outdoor environments, may include forests, wetlands, or deserts
Employer & Industry UsageWildlife conservation organizations, government agencies, research projects focused on desert speciesEnvironmental consulting firms, research institutions, government agencies across diverse ecosystems

The Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist specializes in desert ecosystems, focusing on tortoise conservation, often working overnight in remote desert locations. In contrast, a Field Biologist has a broader scope, working across various environments with diverse species. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ mainly in habitat focus and work setting.

More about Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs

What cities are hiring for Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs?

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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 Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs?

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Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Overnight Desert Tortoise Biologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,988 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Approved Mojave Desert Tortoise Health Assessment Biologist

Bristol Bay Native Corporation

Fort Irwin, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 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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