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Desert Tortoise Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experience with and/or permits for arroyo toad, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, Mohave ground squirrel, and/or desert tortoise will be considered a ...

Experience with and/or permits for arroyo toad, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, Mohave ground squirrel, and/or desert tortoise will be considered a ...

Experience with and/or permits for arroyo toad, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, Mohave ground squirrel, and/or desert tortoise will be considered a ...

Experience with and/or permits for arroyo toad, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, Mohave ground squirrel, and/or desert tortoise will be considered a ...

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 ...

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desert tortoise information

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$22.5K

$66.7K

$100K

How much do desert tortoise jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 5% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,742 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

SpecPro is seeking motivated professionals to support operations at Ft. Irwin. This is a authorized Biologist role, ideal for individuals who thrive in hands on environments, enjoy supporting diverse field operations, and want flexible opportunities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • None.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Conduct terrestrial biological monitoring for construction and restoration projects
  • Perform biological surveys including tortoise surveys, population surveys, and associated field work with tortoise relocation projects.
  • 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
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or related field
  • Minimum 2 years of professional terrestrial biology experience (environmental consulting required)
  • Experience with Mojave Desert Tortoise
  • Experience with construction monitoring and/or conducting field surveys, including tortoise surveys
  • Valid recovery USFWS permits for listed species (Mojave Desert Tortoise)
  • 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
  • Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Proficient in technology and equipment used in environmental inspections.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office365 or similar software.
  • Ability to work away from primary work location in excess of normal work day
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions
  • Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or related field
  • Experience with Mojave Desert Tortoise
  • Experience preparing biological monitoring reports
  • Experience conducting surveys and monitoring for wildlife species in Southern California
Physical Requirements:
  • Physically able to conduct inspections and carry equipment used for inspections.
  • Ability to hike long distances over varied terrain and weather conditions
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Ability to operate a company truck while onsite.
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
Diversity:
  • Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment‑free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
Ethics:
  • Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • The employee will normally work in a temperature‑controlled office environment, with frequent exposure to electronic office equipment.
  • During visits to areas of operations, may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions. Is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.

All offers are contingent upon a thorough background check conducted on all final candidates, as deemed necessary and per State and Federal laws.

SpecPro offers a full competitive benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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