Biologist - Technical Expert (On-Call)

ESA is seeking variable part-time (on-call) field biologists and technical report writers who hold a bachelor’s degree in an environmental or biological science discipline with a minimum 10+ years experience in southern and central California, and willing to travel. The need for part-time on-call services is expected to be greatest in spring through summer with periodic work throughout other parts of the year. Strong preference given to candidates with desert species experience including desert tortoise & Mojave ground squirrel. Must be located within 2 hours of the Haiwee Dam Project Site, near the southern end of the Owens Valley and east of U.S. Route 395 (including Los Angeles metro area). This is a variable part time, hourly, hybrid opportunity. Qualified candidates must be open and willing to travel for site projects, team collaboration, and client or agency meetings. 

Who You Are

• Preference given to candidates who have previous experience in general plant and wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and/or technical report writing for the geographic areas of Southern California, Central Valley, or the desert regions of California. Preference will be given to candidates with direct experience conducting habitat assessments, vegetation mapping, or aquatic resources delineations.   
• Candidates must have experience surveying, handling, or monitoring for, or with monitoring approvals by state or federal agencies for one or more of the following species is required: arroyo toad, bighorn sheep, blunted-nosed leopard lizard, California mountain lion, California tiger salamander, Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, coastal California gnatcatcher, Crotch’s bumble bee, desert tortoise, foothill yellow-legged frog, giant kangaroo rat, least Bell’s vireo, nesting birds/raptors (general), Mohave ground squirrel, San Joaquin kit fox, special status fish (e.g., Santa Ana speckled dace, Santa Ana River sucker, arroyo chub), Stephens’ kangaroo rat, Swainson’s hawk, southwestern willow flycatcher, tri-colored blackbird, western burrowing owl, western Joshua tree, yellow-billed cuckoo, or vernal pool species. 
• Strong preference given to candidates with desert species experience including desert tortoise & Mojave ground squirrel.
• Qualified candidates must be open to travel as needed for projects and site visits.  Mileage and travel reimbursements will be provided consist with the project contract.
• You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 50 pounds. You are confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground and sometimes steep terrain in vegetated environments, agricultural fields, arid lands, and along stream banks. You may be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions. Some early morning, late night and/or weekend work, as well as long hours may be required. You may be required to provide a writing sample at some point in the interview process.  
• Depending on specific species experience, you must have state or federal permits or designated biologist approval from CDFW.

What You Will Do for ESA

You will participate in plant and wildlife surveys, aquatic resources delineations and technical biological reporting for an array of projects; you will work near heavy equipment. You possess a valid driver’s license and have experience driving 4WD vehicles off-road. Responsibilities will include: 

• Conduct special-status species surveys and nesting bird surveys 
• Identify and relocate sensitive species, when needed  
• Effective verbal and written communicate about complex topics with senior ESA staff, construction crews, consultant partners, project personnel, and project management staff
• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary groups as an effective communicator who contributes constructively and cooperatively to solve project and team challenges  
• Maintain written daily written monitoring and inspection logs, including utilizing electronic data collection tools, such as Fulcrum and Trello 
• Enter data into an on-line GIS mapping application, such as ArcMap, Collector, Survey 123 
• Work on construction sites around heavy equipment 
• Must have own transportation to project sites, valid driver's license, and a smart phone
• Must complete required safety trainings in alignment with ESA Safety Program after hire

 What’s Special About Our Biology Team

Our diverse Biology Team includes biologists, restoration ecologists, permitting specialists, conservation biologists, and environmental scientists that provide expertise for many municipalities throughout California. Our work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens in balance with conserving our state’s sensitive natural resources. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration. 

We encourage you to read about some of the exciting projects we have recently completed. 

What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

You are eligible to participate in ESA’s sick leave program. You may be eligible to participate in our employee stock ownership program and tax deferred 401(k) plan if you meet the eligibility requirements for these plans.