California Licensed Desert Tortoise Biologist

Job Summary

To support various natural resource projects, the on-call California Licensed Desert Tortoise Biologist will conduct biological surveys and regulatory compliance monitoring primarily for desert tortoises and burrowing owls, while working remotely and being available for extended local field assignments in southern California.

Key responsibilities

• Lead protocol and pre-construction surveys for desert tortoises and conduct focused surveys for burrowing owls and other special-status species
• Support project execution through environmental compliance monitoring and oversee restoration crew work
• Utilize electronic data collection methods in the field and manage, interpret, and analyze collected data

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (biology, ecology, etc.)
• 4 years of relevant experience in desert environments, specifically with desert tortoises and burrowing owls
• Valid US Driver's License and US Citizenship are required
• Substantial field experience and training in conducting desert tortoise surveys
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements under the federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act