About Wildlife Innovations Inc.:

Wildlife Innovations, Inc. is a biological consulting firm that specializes in wildlife and predator research and management to support the recovery of threatened and endangered species, promote habitat restoration/maintenance, and reduce human/wildlife conflict. We also provide environmental compliance services for a variety of projects and support injured wildlife rescue programs. We utilize the latest technology to support our objectives, and those of our clients, and have extensive experience working on city, state, and federal lands, including in areas requiring a higher level of operational awareness, such as on military installations, State Parks, busy construction sites, and airports. Wildlife Innovations is certified by the State of California as a Small Business and Micro Business and by the City of San Diego as a SLBE. Our biologists are trained and certified/permitted to employ a variety of techniques to support conservation and environmental compliance in both urban and rural environments.

Job Summary:

The Avian Biologist is responsible for conducting research and focused surveillance of avian prey species (including threatened and endangered species) and predators of federally threatened and endangered species, more specifically the California Least Tern, Western Snowy Plover, and Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail. Additionally, the Avian Biologist may perform general bird and nesting bird surveys for ports, military installations, and construction sites, as needed. Work will be conducted primarily in coastal areas of San Diego, Orange, and LA counties. This position will comprise visual and digital surveillance (daytime and/or nighttime) of nesting areas and surrounding habitat and digital data collection. Additionally, this position may include handling and marking of avian predators (i.e. banding, placement of transmitters, or other markers). Data collected during surveillance efforts will be used to identify high threat individuals and/or species of predators, conduct research, compose technical reports, and/or inform management efforts. Additionally, some data collected will be used to adapt management techniques for and enhance efficiency of other conservation programs on both a local and regional scale. This position will be for approximately 4-6 months (DOE), initiating May 2024 (may be negotiable). Upon satisfactory completion of all duties during this term, and depending on project availability, employment with Wildlife Innovations may be extended.

Compliance Obligations:

• Maintain compliance with Wildlife Innovations protocols and Federal, State, and Local laws.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform diurnal and nocturnal avian predator and prey surveys by sight, sign, and remote sensing equipment;
• Conduct bird and/or nesting bird surveys;
• Conduct construction monitoring;
• Perform wildlife habitat assessments;
• Perform or assist in the handling/marking of avian predator species as-needed;
• Digitally collect/record data and maintain database(s);
• Place, operate, transfer data from, and maintain trail cameras; and
• Prepare detailed weekly/monthly/annual technical reports.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Wildlife Science, at an accredited University, or a closely related field required;
• Minimum of two (2) years applicable professional experience;
• California Driver's License or ability to obtain one once hired;
• Ability to diligently conduct surveys and accurately record detailed field observational data;
• High proficiency in accurately identify avian species in Southern and Central California, by sight, sound, and track, and down to species, age, and sex (when applicable);
• Professional experience conducting wildlife surveys, collecting/logging detailed data, and preparation of technical reports;
• Extensive Four-wheel drive experience, including operating in steep, muddy, or sandy environments;
• Ability to perform basic vehicle maintenance (i.e. checking oil, checking tire pressure and changing or repairing a tire);
• Experience with digital camera deployment, operation, maintenance, and care (i.e. proper placement, changing and reviewing footage via cellular networks or SD cards, changing/recharging batteries, and maintaining solar power systems for cameras;
• Experience with using and maintaining optics, including binoculars, spotting scopes, night vision goggles, and thermal scopes;
• Extensive experience/proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint;
• Working knowledge of all standard office equipment;
• Ability to adapt to a variable work schedule;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills and ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Ability to operate as a team player;
• A positive attitude;
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills and techniques;
• Strong safety consciousness;
• Patience;
• High level of confidentiality;
• Willingness to travel to various project sites in a single day;
• Ability to conduct surveys for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Ability to use a keyboard to communicate and perform research, through written means, for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Ability to shift between standing, walking, reaching, and stooping throughout the day;
• Ability to lift or carry up to 50lbs (while hiking) and over uneven terrain, possibly while wearing waders or mud boots, or in sand;
• Willingness to work in inclement weather, including heat, rain, fog, etc.;
• Ability to hike up to ten (10) miles per day, but more commonly one (1) to two (2) miles; and
• Tolerance for exposure to various noise levels;

Desired Experience, Licenses, and Experience:

• Scientific Collecting Permit or other permits
• Project Management Experience;
• Experience operating in sensitive species habitat;
• A MS in Wildlife Science, or a related field, at an accredited University;
• Experience in the handling, banding, tagging, and/or placement of transmitters on raptors or other avian species;
• ArcGIS or mapping software certifications/experience;
• Experience in preparing annual reports, proposals, and wildlife mitigation plans;
• Wilderness First Aid (dependent on project); and
• Willingness to attend and present at conferences.

Job Type: Full-time/Temporary

Compensation: $28-$35/Hour (DOE), Health Plan, Sick Leave, Retirement Plan Eligibility after minimum employment requirements met.