Field Biologist
Location
Riverside, California, United States
Work type
Field
Employment
Full Time
Experience
2-4 years
Compensation
$25 - $33 per hour
Posted
3d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Field Biologist will conduct biological surveys and collect data for 146 species across a 1.2-million-acre area in Western Riverside County. This role involves significant field work (80%) and office tasks like data entry, equipment maintenance, and report preparation, often working independently or with a team.
The Field Biologist for the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Biological Monitoring Program will work in the field 80% of the time surveying and collecting data for the 146 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and plants covered by the MSHCP. The other 20% of the time will be spent in the office entering and checking data for the species surveyed, organizing/cleaning equipment in the warehouse, inspecting work vehicles, and attending occasional meetings and training. The Field Biologist will work both independently and with a team of biologists to collect data in the field across a wide range of habitats and environmental conditions. Data collection for this position occurs year-round and spans a 1.2-million-acre area encompassing coastal sage scrub, desert scrub, chaparral, vernal pools, and montane forest ecosystems, and often requiring extensive daily driving. Field Biologists receive training on species identification from Taxa Leads at the start of each survey and will receive training and certification to survey for federally protected species as necessary.
Primary duties include:
Conduct biological surveys for Covered wildlife, rare plant species and native vegetation communities.
Collect data using tablets, Survey 123, or datasheets. Prepare maps using ArcGIS and Google Earth; prepare survey station waypoints for upload to GPS units.
Collect field data in the prescribed manner, following established protocols.
Digitize data using an established Microsoft Access database, and perform quality assurance checks on entered data.
Assist with reports, posters, and presentation preparation.
Attend meetings and training as assigned.
Complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision in a timely fashion.
Expected to operate 4WD vehicles, digital equipment, and GPS units,
May conduct the following activities, with support of other lead staff: design and oversee short- term field survey efforts, including protocol writing, training of inexperienced staff, and management of day-to-day field survey logistics; conduct and interpret statistical analysis of survey data; write survey summaries or reports.
Basic Requirements:
Two years of experience conducting biological surveys, preferably for more than one taxonomic
Knowledge of southern California flora, and the ability to identify targeted and co-occurring species in western Riverside Experience using dichotomous keys, especially the Jepson Manual, is particularly desirable.
Experience conducting surveys for, and handling rare, sensitive, and federally- or state-listed wildlife or
Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products and mapping programs, including ArcGIS and Google
Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with a variety of groups and
Ability to work cooperatively with others, and independently with little to no
Ability to record ecological data clearly and
Ability to work long days and occasional evening shifts
Ability to work under, and tolerate exposure to, variable environmental conditions (e.g., rough uneven terrain, mud, aquatic environments, seasonally harsh temperatures, etc.), and be capable of carrying a 25 to 30-pound backpack.
Must complete training for, and be willing to use, Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
Possession of a valid U.S. Driver’s License and U.S. citizenship or the ability to work legally in the U.S. (Declaration of Permission to Work form required).
Education:
Successful completion of a full four-year course of study at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s degree that included a major field of study in ecology, biology, botany, wildlife management, or other closely related field.
Updated 3d ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
2-4 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$25 - $33 per hour
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Santa Ana Watershed Association
Team size
Growing team
Location
Riverside, California, United States
The Santa Ana Watershed Association (SAWA) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and enhancement of the natural resources in the Santa Ana River watershed located in Southern California. SAWA collaborates with many local and regional stakeholders and resource agencies to affect large-scale, science-based habitat restoration, biological monitoring and endangered species recovery.
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Field Biologist
Riverside, California, United States • Full Time