Wildlife Biologist

We are seeking dedicated Wildlife Biologist to support our biological monitoring and compliance efforts for a variety of on-site and off-site projects for environmentally sensitive areas. This position requires individuals who can thrive in challenging outdoor conditions, possess strong biological knowledge, and can effectively communicate with teams to ensure environmental compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Field Work (70%)

• Conduct biological compliance monitoring during construction activities in sensitive habitat areas
• Perform protocol surveys for protected species such as desert tortoise, burrowing owl, flat-tailed horned lizard, small mammals, and special status plants
• Install and maintain protective buffers around sensitive areas (plants, burrows, nests)
• Track wildlife using radio telemetry equipment
• Construct artificial burrows and excavate wildlife dens when necessary
• Install, monitor, and review wildlife cameras
• Conduct fence line inspections and perform repairs as needed
• Remove invasive plant species
• Safely relocate wildlife, including venomous snakes
• Collect injured wildlife for rehabilitation or manage wildlife remains according to protocols
• Use GPS technology to navigate and record spatial data in the field

Construction Site Duties (15%)

• Monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with state and federal permits
• Provide environmental awareness training to construction crews
• Attend site safety and tailboard meetings
• Report on instances of non-compliance
• Work collaboratively with construction crews and lead biologists

Administrative Duties (15%)

• Prepare detailed daily compliance reports
• Process and organize field data (both digital and paper)
• Label and catalog photographs from field work
• Complete timesheets and expense reports
• Maintain field equipment inventory and report maintenance needs
• Submit vehicle mileage logs and maintenance records
• Update project tracking databases
• Organize and archive project documents
• Participate in team meetings and debriefings
• Complete required training and certification documentation

Working Conditions

• Field work schedule is highly variable and can change with little notice
• Requires travel 90-100% of the time, with overnight stays/camping
• Early morning start times (as early as 3AM) and extended days (>8 hours)
• Weekend work as needed for project requirements
• Extreme weather conditions including high temperatures (up to 120°F), relentless sun exposure, or cold, rainy, and windy conditions
• Physically demanding work in rugged terrain
• Potential hazards include venomous snakes, construction equipment, driving, and high temperatures

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field
• Minimum 2 years of demonstrated field experience in desert southwest (California or Nevada preferred)
• Knowledge of sensitive species protocol surveys, habitat assessments, and compliance monitoring
• Experience with data collection using handheld devices and/or paper datasheets
• Valid driver's license with good driving record
• Ability to hike at least 10 miles per day in rugged terrain
• Capacity to lift to 50 lbs.
• High emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Adaptable and flexible with changing tasks and schedules
• Detail-oriented with strong time management skills
• Problem-solving mindset
• Commitment to environmental protection and compliance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working collaboratively with construction crews
• Familiarity with desert southwest flora and fauna, particularly protected species
• Experience with GPS navigation and spatial data collection
• Proficiency with field equipment (wildlife cameras, radio telemetry, fiber-optic scopes)
• Residence in southern California, Nevada, or Arizona
• Experience with web-based reporting systems
• Strong organizational skills for managing administrative tasks
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise reports

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk/hike at least 10 miles per day over rugged, uneven terrain
• Capacity to work in extreme temperatures ranging from below freezing to 120°F
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs of equipment regularly
• Stamina to remain on feet for 10 hour workdays
• Physical dexterity to handle small equipment and wildlife when necessary
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl when conducting surveys or monitoring burrows
• Visual acuity to spot wildlife, identify species, and detect environmental conditions
• Manual dexterity to operate specialized equipment (GPS, cameras, telemetry equipment)
• Ability to drive for extended periods between sites
• Capacity to work at various elevations and in diverse weather conditions
• Sufficient stamina to maintain concentration and alertness throughout long workdays
• Physical resilience to work in areas with potential exposure to dust, pollen, and other natural allergens

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@ecocentricnv.com explaining your alignment with our mission and qualifications for the role. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.