Field Wildlife Biologist

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.

“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.

When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.

Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

This Field Wildlife Biologist role involves conducting biological surveys, preparing reports, and monitoring construction activities to ensure regulatory compliance. The position requires strong field-based decision-making, communication skills, and proficiency with tools like ArcGIS GPS for mapping biological resources.

Job Type: Part-Time/Temporary (This position is considered temporary and as such there are no associated benefits, but you are eligible for paid time off in accordance with our sick time policy)

Pay: $35-$50/hr (based on training, duties, and project type)

Schedule: This is an as-needed position with a flexible schedule and based on demand with no guaranteed minimum.

Location: The ideal candidate should be based in or near Victorville, Barstow, Palmdale, or Lancaster, as well as in the northern and eastern regions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, or Riverside.

This role will be responsible for a full range of activities including:

• Perform biological surveys, report preparation, data tracking and analysis, construction monitoring, and other services related to compliance with the biological and regulatory requirements associated with the projects.
• Biological monitoring duties require in-field decision-making as well as oral and written communication skills.
• Duties may include general and focused biological resource surveys, nest surveys and monitoring, habitat restoration monitoring, web-based reporting, and the use of ArcGIS GPS equipment for mapping identified biological resources.
• Southern and/or Central California biological field experience required. Training will also be provided as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Exercise safe work practices by following all Company safety rules and OSHA regulations, including attendance at all required safety training programs.
• Participate in the company’s continuous improvement programs and provide support to team efforts.
• Keep up-to-date and current on industry trends by completing formal training, reviewing professional publications, and attending professional workshops.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your Expertise and Skills

These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.

• BS in biology, ecology, wetland science, plant ecology, or similar fields.
• Valid Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record per company standards
• 1-6 years of professional experience in biological surveys, biological/construction monitoring, or similar field/biological experience.
• Proven familiarity with biological resources in Southern and/or Central California with a strength in botany, wildlife biology, and/or wetland ecology.
• Basic understanding of FESA, CESA, CEQA, and NEPA.
• Experience and training with ArcGIS and GPS technologies for large-scale biological resource inventories and conservation planning efforts.
• Professional experience with one or more of these species is preferred: desert tortoise, Arroyo toad, red-legged frog, burrowing owl, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, desert kit fox, Mohave ground squirrel, San Bernardino kangaroo rat, Stephen’s kangaroo rat, as well as other special-status plant and wildlife species in southern and central California.
• Experience with plant and wildlife on Catalina Island and Coastal Zone is preferred.
• Professional experience with nest monitoring, construction monitoring and compliance, or habitat restoration is preferred.
• Current/previous USFWS 10(a)(1)(A) Permit and current/previous CDFW Scientific Collecting Permits is preferred.
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work remotely and independently with minimal supervision/direction.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing document directives and deadlines.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of computer-aided software (Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, etc.).
• Ability to complete and maintain HAZWOPER certification with the 40-hour HAZWOPER environmental health and safety class and annual 8-hour refresher class.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to present to supervisors.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• This position can be physically demanding and will require work in various working environments/conditions, which requires that an individual be physically capable of canvassing large project areas by foot on various terrain and potentially in inclement weather.
• The work environment will vary greatly depending on the nature of assigned tasks.
• The position may involve travel as needed.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what’s typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.

FREQUENT:

• Sitting, standing, and walking;
• Lifting up to 50 pounds several times a day;
• Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds;
• Bending, stooping, crawling, and climbing ladders;
• Long hours involving overtime and weekends as necessary;
• Keyboarding/typing;
• Ability to read effectively from a computer screen, sampling device, and/or paper copy;
• Ability to handle a large volume of work and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment;
• Frequent, unscheduled travel for extended periods of time; and,
• May work outdoors and may be exposed to hot and cold environments and extreme weather conditions including but not limited to: sunlight, rain, snow, windy conditions;
• Encounter environments presenting physical hazards including: uneven ground, standing water, ditches, dusty conditions, rapidly moving transportation/remediation equipment, and physical stress associated with the wear of personal protective equipment;
• May be assigned varying shifts including overnight shifts; and
• May work in a setting with potential physical, chemical, and biological hazards.

OCCASIONAL:

• Ability to drive noncommercial vehicles;
• Rarely may work shifts of up to 24 hours in duration;
• Dress out in physically demanding personal protective equipment (PPE) for site entry at HAZWOPER sites as required under 29CFR 1910.120; and
• Wear partially or totally encapsulating personal protective equipment.
• May work at altitudes greater than 5000 feet above sea level and
• May work on waterways, sea, or air.

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Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.