Wildlife Field Biologist and Staff Ecologists San Joaquin Valley, Antelope Valley, and Central Coast (On-Call, Seasonal, or Project Hires)

We’re looking for experienced wildlife ecologists for on-call, seasonal, or project hire for projects in the San Joaquin Valley, Antelope Valley, and Central Coast, California. This role will be in support of compliance with environmental requirements for a variety of projects The anticipated pay range for field biologist positions is $32.50–$37.25 per hour and for staff ecologists is $39.25–$44.00 per hour. Actual compensation within these ranges will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

What it’s like to work with us

H. T. Harvey & Associates has a reputation for deep scientific expertise and a high caliber of work. Our San Joaquin Valley team leaders have been researching and working in the region for more than three decades and have unparalleled expertise with the region’s species, habitats, regulatory environment, and habitat plans. The team has long-standing experience with transportation, solar energy, land management, and conservation projects. Services provided include ESA and CESA permitting; endangered and threatened species surveys assessments, and monitoring; and conservation land assessment, preservation, and management.

Types of work for this position will include: surveys and monitoring for special-status wildlife and plant species, potentially serving in the role of an agency-approved Designated Biological Monitor or Designated Biologist for specific projects, assisting with habitat assessments, research, and data collection. The successful candidate will work with and learn from experienced senior ecologists as part of a collaborative project team.

Competencies, skills, and experience

• At least 2 years monitoring and conducting field surveys for field biologist-level candidates; 4 years for staff-level candidates
• Demonstrable background in ecology or wildlife management and broad knowledge of the biology of desert fauna
• Previous experience with San Joaquin kit fox, giant kangaroo rat, Tipton’s kangaroo rat, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, burrowing owl, and/or Swainson’s hawk
• Bird identification skills
• Experience with field data entry on mobile devices
• Relentless attention to detail
• Clear and precise writing skills
• A collaborative approach to work and communication

Desired qualifications

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in biological studies, natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology, or an equivalent subject.

If you don’t have all the items above, but have a good portion of them, we still welcome you to submit your application so we can learn more about you and see if it’s a good fit!

A few other nitty gritty details

This position requires the future employee to:

• Follow best practices for field safety
• Hold a valid driver’s license with no major traffic violations or multiple minor violations
• Walk over varied terrain for surveys and work in inclement weather
• Flexibility to work up to 5 days/week in a project area
• Work early morning hours, and occasional nights and weekends, as needed

How to apply

To start the application process, submit your resume and a cover letter through our applicant portal. In your cover letter please:

• tell us about your strengths, including specialized area(s) of biological expertise
• convey the total number of months or years of experience conducting monitoring and / or surveys
• include some observations about your favorite species in your cover letter
• share your availability and desired schedule (starting month and days of the week)

Ultimately, we’ll ask for references and a work sample and potentially academic transcripts, but if you don’t have them handy now, they can be submitted later.

Please combine your cover letter and resume into one file and apply here.