H. T. Harvey & Associates, an ecological consulting firm with four offices in Northern California and one in Hawaii, is looking for field biologists to join our Sacramento Valley office. Candidates may be based in counties of the Sacramento Valley or Sierra Foothills, or Contra Costa, Solano, San Joaquin, or Napa Counties. The anticipated pay range for a full-time position is $63,000―$72,000 annually plus a generous benefits package and bonus program. Part-time and on-call candidates are also encouraged to apply.

What it’s like to work with us

H. T. Harvey & Associates has a reputation for deep scientific expertise and a high caliber of work in pursuit of our mission to create ecologically sound solutions to our clients’ complex natural resource challenges. The field biologists will become part of the 7-person Sacramento office, which is perched along the scenic Sacramento River levee in Sacramento’s South Natomas neighborhood. Our projects are in the Sacramento Valley as well as in the broader Bay Area, Central Valley, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Mountain regions. The Sacramento office team has particular experience in projects focused on ecological restoration and on the long-term stewardship and monitoring of watersheds, rare and endangered species, habitat preserves, and similar conserved lands, often within the context of working agricultural lands or other multi-use landscapes. 

Candidates may be based in counties of the Sacramento Valley or Sierra Foothills, or Contra Costa, Solano, San Joaquin, or Napa Counties. Our field biologists spend time primarily in the field but also working at a desk (working remotely or from an H. T. Harvey office). When in the field you might work on special-status population surveys for species like vernal pool branchiopods, California tiger salamanders, or California red-legged frogs; managing data and field notes; coordinating with on-site personnel; and biological monitoring. Desk work could consist of preparing technical reports or contributing to the preparation of permit application packages or habitat management or restoration plans. We prioritize ongoing development of the skills and ecological knowledge of our field staff, providing opportunities to learn from and work with experts in a range of ecological disciplines.

Types of projects and habitats the Sacramento Valley team works on

• Providing long term monitoring and supporting stewardship programs of conservation lands for water agencies 
• Supporting the development of renewable energy projects in the Central Valley
• Assessing meadows and watersheds in the Sierra Nevada and designing restoration projects to improve ecological functions
• Developing and overseeing integrated invasive plant management programs 
• Implementing the conservation programs of regional Habitat Conservation Plans and other large-scale habitat conservation programs 
• Leading survey, population monitoring, and permitting projects involving Swainson’s hawks, burrowing owls, California red-legged frogs, California tiger salamanders, salmonids, native bumble bees, and vernal pool branchiopods 
• Working with large private landowners to develop mitigation and conservation banks 

Competencies, skills, and experience

We aim to hire team members who strive for excellence in their everyday work and who are interested in continually improving their scientific knowledge and collaborating with experts in other fields. In addition to having a degree in biology, ecology, or related fields, the ideal candidate should have a combination of some or all of the following:

• At least 1-2 years of field experience with some of the wildlife, invertebrate, and botanical species found in Northern California, such as: Swainson’s hawk, American goshawk, Foothill yellow-legged frog, California red-legged frog, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, vernal pool branchiopods, insects such as the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle or native bumble bees, and California native flora 
• Highly organized
• Strong writing aptitude
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• A drive to deepen your ecological knowledge and experience

A few other nitty gritty details

This position requires the future employee to:

• Follow best practices for field safety
• Hold a valid driver’s license with no major traffic violations or multiple minor violations
• Walk over varied terrain for surveys and work in inclement weather

How to apply

We welcome your application so we can learn more about you! To start the application process, please submit your resume and a cover letter through our applicant portal. In your cover letter please tell us:

• about the species or habitats you are most interested in
• what you hope to get from your next position
• whatever else you’d like to share that isn’t obvious from your resume

Ultimately, we’ll ask candidates who move forward in the process for references and academic transcripts and potentially writing samples, but if you don’t have them handy now, they can be submitted later. 

Please combine your cover letter and resume into one file.

Employment Package, Benefits, and Work Culture 

We strive to support employees' career goals and their health and wellness. Our employment package includes a competitive salary, a generous benefits package, and a bonus program. 

Health insurance 

H. T. Harvey & Associates has always placed a strong emphasis on health and wellness. At the center of these offerings is our top-notch medical coverage (Cigna PPO and Kaiser Permanente HMO plans) along with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA) options. For full-time employees who opt in to one of our plans, we cover 100% of the premiums for that employee. Additional options include 50% premium coverage for spouses, domestic partners, and children. The package also includes dental and vision coverage at no cost to the employee. Pro-rated plan options are available for those who work at least 50% time.

Retirement benefits 

We offer a 401(k) plan with a 33% employer match. The plan offers nearly 50 fund choices including a notable number of socially responsible investment fund options.

Time off 

Employees accrue paid vacation, personal days, and sick leave time. Additionally, full-time employees receive 5 personal days and 10 company holidays annually, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for voluntary participation in a National Day of Service. 

Professional development 

In addition to having a core value of ongoing development of scientific and professional expertise, we support participation in external training and certification programs, attendance at conferences and workshops, and membership in and engagement with scientific and professional associations. We also offer presentation, poster, and publication bonuses.

Flexible work arrangements 

We offer flexible schedule options during the work week, with employees working from both company and home offices. Our goal is to facilitate collaboration and accommodate business needs while providing flexibility to employees.

About H. T. Harvey & Associates

H. T. Harvey & Associates is an ecological consulting firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with four offices in California and one in Hawaii. The Los Gatos headquarters office is proudly certified as a Santa Clara County Green Business. Our core areas of expertise are wildlife ecology, plant ecology, aquatic ecology, restoration ecology, and landscape architecture. We hire people who strive to be the best in their fields and provide training, support, and work opportunities to grow their expertise. We have been cultivating excellence in our staff and work in pursuit of our mission to create ecologically sound solutions to our clients’ complex natural resource challenges for more than 54 years.

H. T. Harvey & Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.