Biological Technician

Background:

The Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC) is an environmental non-profit organization based in rural Lake County, California. CLERC manages several community-wide grant-funded fire resiliency and forest health projects throughout Lake County, in an effort to make the community safer and more resilient to wildfire. These efforts are a result of several catastrophic stand-replacing wildfires that have burned nearly 75% of Lake County in the last decade. Our projects focus on community firebreaks and roadside vegetation management to ensure safer neighborhoods and evacuation routes, restoration of burned landscapes, and protection of the remaining unburned forests and woodlands.

The Biological Technician supports field-based biological monitoring and survey efforts related to wildlife and plants. This is an entry-level position ideal for individuals with a background or interest in biology, ecology, or environmental science. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, including those exploring a new career path or returning to the workforce.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

1) :

• Conduct pre and post disturbance wildlife and botanical surveys in compliance with environmental regulations and species-specific protocols. Specifically, the Biological Technician will be conducting botanical surveys, dawn chorus nesting bird surveys and occasional night-time acoustic surveys for northern spotted owls and forest dwelling bats.
• Monitor, retrieve, and maintain wildlife camera traps; catalog and organize photo and video data.
• Document non-native and invasive plant species populations within project areas by mapping, flagging and reporting to local and state agencies.
• Navigate in rugged outdoor environments using maps, aerial imagery, GPS, and compass.
• Assist with the collection of field data using standardized protocols, GPS units, and field datasheets or mobile data entry platforms.
• Document field observations in a clear, consistent, and accurate manner.
• Follow all project-specific protocols, including those related to species protection, data quality, and safety.
• Coordinate with staff to ensure equipment and supplies are prepared and maintained for fieldwork.
• Run queries in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) to determine what species are known to occur within and adjacent to project sites.
• Research basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, range, life history, development and population dynamics.
• Provide survey data to the Biologist and Stewardship Director for inclusion in technical reports in compliance with state and federal standards, including Biological Assessments, CEQA and NEPA documents and other reports as needed.
• Upload biological datasets to various state databases.
• Support broader environmental or land stewardship programs as needed.
• Responsible for attending regular team meetings, as needed.

2) Represent CLERC’s mission and programs accurately to a variety of community stakeholders.

• Conduct outreach and build relationships with landowners and community groups.
• Represent CLERC, its partners and funders in a positive and proactive manner.
• Contribute to additional CLERC programs (as appropriate based on skills and interests).

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, or related field.
• 1 to 2 years of experience conducting wildlife and botanical surveys and managing associated data.
• Ability to identify birds by sight and sound, as well as other wildlife species from Northern California.
• Ability to identify and key plants to species.
• Ability to identify California native tree species in all stages of development.
• Strong attention to detail and data collection accuracy.
• Willingness to work early mornings or late nights depending on survey needs.
• Physically able to work in the field (hiking uneven terrain (up to several miles per day), lifting, carrying supplies and equipment, etc.) during all seasons.
• Valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and ability to drive to remote field sites in a company-owned vehicle.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience working collaboratively within partnerships including landowners, researchers, public agencies, and others.
• Highly motivated, organized, and self-directing with the ability to prioritize and coordinate workload to fulfill deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to work with a variety of people with diverse interests and temperaments.
• Strong computer skills, including Google and Microsoft products.
• Creativity, sense of humor, “can do” spirit, collegiality, and flexibility.

Preferred

• Experience with wildlife cameras and photo data organization.
• Basic proficiency with GIS tools or mapping applications.
• Prior field experience with biological surveys or monitoring projects.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $28