Field Biologist (On-Call)

ESA is seeking variable part-time (on-call) field biologists with 0-5 years experience.  Preference given to candidates with 1+ years of professional experience. Qualified candidates must be located in the San Francisco Bay Area, vicinity of Sacramento, Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, Central Valley, or within 3 hours.  All qualified candidates must be willing & able to travel as needed. Preference given to candidates located in the bay area and central valley of CA.  The need for on-call services is expected to be greatest in late summer through fall with periodic work throughout other parts of the year. Additional work beyond this period may be requested. 

Who You Are 

• Qualified candidates should have previous experience performing natural resource-related evaluations, technical studies, analyses and tasks requiring knowledge based on education and at least two years of professional experience. 
• Previous construction monitoring experience required.
• Qualified candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform all aspects of biological monitoring on small to large, complex construction projects. Some night and/or weekend work may be assigned. General experience with wildlife and vegetation species from the geographic area of work: California Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.
• Qualified candidates must have experience surveying and monitoring CA nesting birds. 
• Preference given to candidates with direct experience surveying, handling, and monitoring for, or with monitoring approvals by state and federal agencies for one or more of the following species: San Joaquin kit fox, California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, northwestern pond turtle, San Francisco garter snake, giant garter snake, California black rail, western burrowing owl, western spadefoot, vernal pool brachiopods, Swainson’s hawk and/or other nesting birds, Crotch’s bumble bee, and bats.
• 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

What You Will Do for ESA

• Perform biological compliance monitoring and reporting at active construction sites to ensure conformance with environmental/permit requirements
• Conduct special-status species surveys and nesting bird surveys
• Identify and may relocate sensitive species, when needed and if agency-approved
• Effectively communicate with senior ESA staff, construction crews, project personnel, and project management staff
• Take initiative and contribute to a respectful, feedback-driven team culture
• Maintain 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 Fieldmaps, Collector, Survey 123
• Deliver worker environmental awareness training to on-site staff
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have own transportation to project sites
• Must have a smart phone with sufficient data plan to collect necessary data on-site
• Comply with all safety requirements and policies
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds
• Confident in working outside, potentially in remote or rural settings, as well as in urban environments.
• Other ad hoc tasks as needed

What’s Special About Our Biology Team

Our 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.

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ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)