Job Announcements
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Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT): Field Coordinator/Lead or Field Supervisor
Joshua Tree, CA
About the Opportunity
We are recruiting to fill the position of Seed Bank Field Coordinator/Lead – Field Supervisor. We are posting two job openings—Field Coordinator/Lead and Field Supervisor—but will be hiring only one candidate, depending on qualifications and experience.
The Field Coordinator/Lead or Field Supervisor will support MDLT’s seed banking efforts by leading field-based activities across the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. This position involves native seed scouting and collection, data management, and coordination with internal teams and external partners. The Coordinator/Lead focuses on daily field operations and informal team oversight, while the Supervisor also takes on formal supervisory responsibilities. This is a field-intensive role that requires frequent travel, overnight camping, and strong collaboration skills.
This is a regular full-time position working a 9/80 schedule with flex scheduling for some evening and weekend work. This position is Non-Exempt (hourly) and will be funded by the WCB grant.
This is an in-person position working from HQ. The position will require extensive fieldwork during the spring and summer months. The incumbent in this position should expect to be in the field 20-30 weeks in a year, with at least one night of overnight camping per week.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in this opportunity, please send an email to Raechel McClellan, at email hidden; JavaScript is required. Please include a resume or request an employment application if needed.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Recovery Ecology Post Doctoral Associate
Escondido, CA
About the Opportunity
The Desert Tortoise Recovery Team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has an opening for a full-time, 3-year Post Doctoral Associate in quantitative ecology to conduct meta-analyses of existing datasets to explore the health, survival, and recruitment outcomes of Mojave desert tortoise headstarting and translocation efforts. Working closely with SDZWA’s Recovery Ecology and Disease Investigations teams and the USFWS Desert Tortoise Recovery Office and other agency partners, the Fellow will work to compile over 16 years of data on headstart programs and mitigation translocations following standardized protocols for surveys, health screening, and mitigation translocations.
Terracon: Permitted Project Ecologist/Biologist
Las Vegas, NV
About the Opportunity
As a Project Ecologist/Biologist, you will work closely with senior personnel across the region to deliver threatened and endangered species assessments (e.g., habitat assessments and avian and wildlife surveying/monitoring), wetland delineation and permitting support, and support NEPA environmental document preparation (e.g., Categorical Exclusions and Environmental Assessments). In this role, you may coordinate with NEPA practitioners and other specialists to deliver multidisciplinary work products for clients. This is a growth opportunity within the rapidly growing Environmental Planning Practice at Terracon, as we expand the practice within our established southwest operation. Join us and explore the possibilities!
CEMML: Desert Tortoise Natural Resources Specialist
Las Vegas, NV, Nellis Air Force Base (NAFB), Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR)
About the Opportunity
The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML), Las Vegas is seeking 25 Desert Tortoise Monitors or Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologists to assist with the Mojave Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program on Nellis Air Force Base (NAFB) and the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). These positions are field work based to survey demographic plots. Field work will be limited to 4 long weekends/ 12 days of work for the year. Field work will occur when installation/range access allows (Friday – Monday including federal holidays) during desert tortoise active season (April – May, September – October). Individuals hired are not guaranteed a set schedule; these positions are hourly, as-needed. The hourly rate for Desert Tortoise Monitors or Authorized Biologists will range between $20/hr – $50/hr, commensurate with experience, education, and overall qualifications.
Great Basin Institute:Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program (Multiple Positions)
Las Vegas, NV
About the Opportunity
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program, is recruiting for the Spring Season to participate in critical fieldwork focused on tracking and monitoring desert tortoise populations in the Mojave Desert (Las Vegas, NV). Technicians will complete a rigorous 4-week training program during which will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills including, but not limited to, 4WD vehicle operation, the use of GPS, topographic maps, and digital field technology.
CEMML: 2 Natural Resources Specialists
Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), CA
About the Opportunity
Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). Part-time, Non-Student Hourly (2) positions. Two Desert Tortoise Natural Resource Specialist (Desert Tortoise Authorized Biologist) positions are available to be hired for an ongoing, multi-year project on Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB). The position is hourly, asneeded, and expected to be less than 120 hours over the course of 9 months. Individuals hired are not guaranteed a set schedule. Schedules will be coordinated with both CEMML and DoD staff. Individuals will be hired based on project needs and their experience and expertise. Scheduling of field activities may occur several months to only a few days in advance.
Great Basin Institute/Joshua Tree National Park: Wildlife Monitor
NPS, Mojave National Preserve
About the Opportunity
Mojave National Preserve is on the search for a Wildlife Monitor! This position is starting in Feburary and will be for 15 weeks with a possible extension. During road and related developments in MOJA, the Wildlife Monitor will conduct field surveys and construction monitoring. Wildlife observations and data within and around the park will also be recorded and analyzed by the Monitor.
Vernadero Group: Senior Biologist
Twentynine Palms, CA
About the Opportunity
The successful candidate will be responsible for applying senior professional biological consulting skills and leadership in support of Military construction and training operations primarily in southern California. The Senior Biologist will support projects and processes that stem from regulatory compliance under the Sikes Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) as well as Executive Orders, Installation Base Orders, and all other applicable regulations. The Senior Biologist must have extensive experience in desert tortoise surveying and biology.
Logan Simpson: Permitting Specialist
Tempe, AZ
About the Opportunity
Logan Simpson has an immediate opening for a regular full-time Permitting Specialist to be based out of our Tempe, Arizona office. We are seeking a candidate who will contribute to our diverse, collaborative, and innovative team; maximize the opportunity to learn new techniques and skills; and bring new tools and ideas to the table.
Vernadero: Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist
National Training Center Fort Irwin, CA
About the Opportunity
Vernadero is seeking an Authorized Desert Tortoise Biologist to support a radio tower construction project aboard the Western Training Area at NTC Fort Irwin. Work will take place in the fall of 2024. Don’t miss the opportunity to work with one of the premier natural resource consulting firms supporting the Department of Defense.
MWD: Senior Environmental Specialist
Parker Dam, CA
About the Opportunity
The Senior Environmental Specialist will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations in Metropolitan Water District’s (MWD) Desert operations area, which includes the Colorado River Aqueduct and associated facilities. This position will report to and require full-time work at MWD’s Desert facilities, including Hinds, Eagle Mountain, Iron Mountain, Gene, and Intake pumping plants, and along the Colorado River Aqueduct and associated electrical transmission line alignments.
Quad-Knopf: Associate Environmental Scientist
Bakersfield, CA
About the Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Environmental Scientist to join our team in Bakersfield, CA. As an Associate Environmental Scientist, you’ll play a crucial role in utilizing species-specific knowledge and environmental expertise to provide essential services and protect the environment from serious hazards.
Don’t miss this chance to make a meaningful impact in environmental protection while learning from experienced Environmental Scientists. Apply now to join our team as an Associate Environmental Scientist in Bakersfield, CA!
RVA: Wildlife Biologist/Regulatory Specialist
Ontario, California
About the Opportunity
Ruth Villalobos & Associates, Inc. (RVA) is seeking a highly motivated Wildlife Biologist to join our team to conduct monitoring and environmental compliance throughout the southern California region. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring construction activities, completing reporting requirements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory permits and other environmental commitments for projects.
ECORP Consulting: Mid-Level Biologist
Redlands, Rocklin, San Diego, Santa Ana
About the Opportunity
ECORP is searching for a qualified Biologist to assist Project Managers with complex, multi-disciplinary projects in a dynamic, collaborative environment. Key components include managing individual project tasks and providing direction to support staff; completing permit applications and regulatory documents; assisting clients with compliance of regulatory permits and project implementation; attending client meetings; interacting with agency staff; and conducting/managing field surveys as needed. Consulting experience preferred.
Knight & Leavitt Associates: Supervising Biologist (Authorized Biologist)
Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and California
About the Opportunity
We are trying to build our biology department to an effective team. The right individual will have input into how the team will be focused and managed with their expertise. We are looking for someone with and Authorized Biologist status with the USFWS or being close to being approved as one. Knowledge of surveying and monitoring in the Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and California area is required. The position is 8 hours a day Monday through Friday (hours and days worked vary on busy seasons). This is a full time, permanent, and salary position.
BEC Environmental: Desert Tortoise Biologist & Desert Wildlife Biologist / Botanist
Great Basin, Mojave, and/or Sonoran Desert
About the Opportunities
Desert Tortoise Biologist
Seeking a biologist or wildlife ecologist with knowledge of and field experience with Great Basin and Mojave Desert flora and fauna, including at least 4 years of experience with conducting surveys for state and/or federally protected species, including at least 2 years of experience with the desert tortoise, as well as interest in developing all or portions of survey reports, biological assessments, NEPA documents, conservation/mitigation plans, and other related documents.
Desert Wildlife Biologist / Botanist
Seeking a biologist, botanist, or plant ecologist with knowledge of and field experience with Great Basin, Mojave, and/or Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, as well as interest in developing all or portions of survey reports, biological assessments, NEPA documents, conservation/mitigation plans, and other related documents.
SNEI: Wildlife Biologist
Mojave Desert
About the Opportunity
SNEI, a 30-year-old Biological Consulting firm based out of Las Vegas NV, is seeking to hire full-time qualified field biologists to become part of our team, working throughout the Mojave Desert (primarily southern Nevada and southern California).
Upon hire, and depending on the level of experience, the applicant will attend field and classroom training, and then be placed on projects, where they will shadow a biologist(s) to learn the process of the job and gain a thorough understanding of what will be expected of them. Some of the duties to be expected may include; construction monitoring, performing desert tortoise surveys, desert-tortoise fence checks, avian surveys and sensitive plant surveys. Once the lead biologist on the project feels that the applicant is ready to perform his or her duties, they will be assigned their specific duties on the project. Or in some cases, you will need approval from Fish and Wildlife to perform the duties of a wildlife biologist. Experienced desert tortoise biologists will have a modified training period.
Construction monitoring in desert tortoise habitat involves having biologists present on construction sites (pipelines, electrical transmission lines, solar projects, highway paving, etc.) making sure workers adhere to the state and federal permits of their project, to remain in compliance.
Wildlands Desert Biologist
Colorado Desert of Southern California
About the Opportunity
Wildlands is seeking a Senior Desert Biologist for supervision and oversight, of personnel and equipment, necessary to manage and monitor approximately 30,000-acres of preserved desert tortoise habitat throughout the Colorado Desert between Indio CA and Blythe CA.
This position will be responsible for overall management of biology staff for preserve monitoring, reconnaissance surveys, limited land management, reporting and associated coordination. Responsibilities include annual monitoring and reporting, desert tortoise reconnaissance surveys, habitat assessments, non-native vegetation management, removing trash/debris and fencing/signage repair. Additional tasks may include data entry, data review, game camera management and photo management. The successful candidate will be good at scheduling, problem solving, have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and an attention to detail. Previous personnel management is a strong plus.
This position is based in the Colorado Desert of Southern California and is year-around including summer months where temperatures often exceed 110˚ F. Applicants should have experience working in extreme climates.
The position requires the ability to identify desert fauna, delineate State waters, and distinguish between numerous species of native and non-native vegetation. A moderate amount of travel may be required in certain months to maintain other preserved areas, as needed.