Wildlife Survey Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Description:

The Approved Wildlife Biologist is responsible for conducting wildlife surveys, monitoring sensitive species and habitats, collecting biological data, and supporting environmental compliance activities throughout the Ridgecrest region and surrounding Mojave Desert ecosystems. This position requires extensive fieldwork in remote desert environments and a strong understanding of wildlife ecology, habitat management, and applicable state and federal environmental regulations.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• Ability to meet U. S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Approved Biologist requirements.
• Previously approved by USFWS and/or CDFW as a Designated Biologist on projects.
• Minimum two years of professional terrestrial biology field experience.
• Experience preparing biological monitoring reports.
• Experience conducting surveys and monitoring for wildlife species in Southern California

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Essential Duties and Responsibilities are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed for this position and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct field surveys for wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and special-status species.
• Identify wildlife species through visual observations, tracks, scat, burrows, calls, and other field indicators.
• Monitor and document sensitive habitats, nesting sites, migration corridors, and breeding activity.
• Conduct pre-construction biological surveys and provide environmental compliance monitoring for development, utility, renewable energy, transportation, and land management projects.
• Collect, record, and manage biological data using GPS units, tablets, cameras, and other field equipment.
• Prepare detailed field notes, survey reports, maps, and technical documents.
• Utilize GIS and mapping software to analyze habitat conditions, survey locations, and project impacts.
• Assist with wildlife capture, handling, and monitoring activities when permitted and required.
• Install and maintain remote cameras, acoustic monitoring equipment, and other wildlife monitoring devices.
• Coordinate with project managers, environmental scientists, regulatory agencies, and landowners.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, permit conditions, and established safety procedures.
• Operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and safely navigate remote desert terrain.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• Previously approved by CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife as a Designated Biologist on projects.
• 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 Mojave Desert Region.
• • AUTHORIZED BIOLOGIST - Approved by the Fish and Wildlife Service or other agency as designated by the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct activities that may result in "take" of the desert tortoise including locating tortoises and their sign, recording and reporting tortoise and sign observations in accordance with approved protocol, and ensuring that the effects of the project on the desert tortoise and its habitat are minimized in accordance with a biological opinion or permit. "Take" has been defined as actions which "harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct." An authorized biologist should have thorough knowledge of desert tortoise behavior, natural history, and ecology, and demonstrate substantial field experience and training to successfully:
  • • handle desert tortoises
    • excavate burrows to locate desert tortoise or eggs
    • relocate desert tortoises -reconstruct desert tortoise burrows -unearth and relocate desert tortoise eggs
    • locate, identify, and record all forms of desert tortoise sign.
• Knowledge of Mojave Desert wildlife species, plant communities, and ecological processes.
• Ability to perform all duties in accordance with CDFW authorizations, permit conditions, approved survey protocols, and applicable state and federal environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in providing monitoring and subsequent monitoring reports following project completion.
• Minimum of two years of professional terrestrial biology field experience.
• Experience identifying common desert wildlife and signs of wildlife presence.
• Proficiency with GPS technology, digital data collection applications, and Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to work independently in remote locations with limited supervision.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to conduct presence-absence planning surveys.
• Must be able to conduct pre-work biological site clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Understanding of Mojave Desert ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife species, including special-status species and their biological requirements.
• Familiarity with wildlife survey techniques, species identification, habitat assessments, and environmental compliance monitoring.
• Working knowledge of applicable state and federal environmental regulations, permits, and survey protocols, including CEQA, CESA, the Federal Endangered Species Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
• Awareness of field safety practices for remote desert environments and extreme weather conditions.
• Proficiency in identifying wildlife species and signs of occupancy, including tracks, scat, burrows, nests, and vocalizations.
• Experience conducting biological surveys, monitoring activities, and collecting accurate field data.
• Competence in the use of GPS, GIS, digital data collection tools, and preparation of clear technical documentation.
• Effectiveness in communicating biological constraints and compliance requirements with project teams and contractors.
• Capability to work independently in remote field locations and apply sound professional judgment.
• Capacity to interpret and implement environmental permits, mitigation measures, and project requirements.
• Aptitude for navigating rugged terrain, hiking long distances, and working safely in extreme desert conditions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing field conditions, schedules, and project needs.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, strong observational skills, and commitment to scientific integrity.
• Professionalism, reliability, and a safety-focused approach to natural resource protection.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of multidisciplinary teams while maintaining responsibility for independent field assignments.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily outdoors in remote desert environments and requires the ability to safely traverse uneven, rugged terrain. The position involves frequent walking and hiking over long distances, often several miles per day, while carrying field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Field duties require prolonged standing, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, and occasional lifting or moving of equipment and supplies. The employee must be able to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and travel on unimproved roads in isolated locations.
• Working conditions include frequent exposure to extreme desert temperatures, intense sunlight, wind, dust, limited shade, and changing weather conditions. Fieldwork may occur during early morning, evening, nighttime, or extended shifts to accommodate wildlife activity patterns, survey protocols, and project schedules.
• The position requires the ability to work independently in remote locations with limited access to facilities, communication, and immediate assistance. Employees may encounter environmental hazards such as venomous wildlife, thorny vegetation, uneven terrain, and other natural obstacles and are expected to follow established safety procedures, environmental protocols, and all applicable health and safety requirements.