Wildlife Innovations is hiring a full-time Avian Predator Biologist to protect nesting Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area in San Luis Obispo County, beginning 1 March 2027. You will run day and night surveillance of raptors, owls, and other avian predators across the nesting colonies, investigate depredation events, identify the individuals and species driving nest and chick loss, and work alongside senior staff to haze, trap, band, and translocate high-threat predators to help maximize nesting success.

The Project

Oceano Dunes SVRA supports an important Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern nesting area on the central California coast; however, predation can be a leading cause of nest and chick loss within the site. Wildlife Innovations monitors avian predator activity across the nesting areas and surrounding habitat, evaluates the threat each predator poses, and manages high-threat individuals through live-trapping, banding, and translocation. Surveillance data drive management on site and are used to refine predator management techniques for tern and plover programs across the region. The biologist in this role will work closely with Wildlife Innovations peronnel, Oceano Dunes SVRA staff, and contractors, participate in weekly coordination meetings, help train park staff on avian predator identification and biology, digitally log detailed field data, and contribute to the year-end summary report.

About Wildlife Innovations

Wildlife Innovations is a DGS-certified small/micro business specializing in wildlife research, surveillance, monitoring, and management. WI provides support for a variety of tasks, such as listed species protection and recovery, environmental compliance, wildlife rescue, hazing, and transport, human health and safety, and conflict and damage mitigation. Our work spans across a diverse set of landscapes, including construction sites, airports, military installations, ports, and state and city parks and beaches. Our approach is grounded in the relationships between species in local ecosystems and the stressors created by human modification of the landscape; for this, we use a combination of historic and advanced monitoring, surveillance, and management techniques to help resolve wildlife conflicts, improve outcomes, and support the recovery of focal species. Most staff are cross-trained across multiple projects and techniques to provide more adaptive and expedited responses

What You Will Do

• Conduct diurnal and nocturnal avian predator and prey surveys by sight, sound, and sign using daytime optics, night-vision and thermal equipment, and cellular cameras;
• Locate and map nests, investigate predation sites, and use physical evidence and camera data to identify the predator species and/or individuals responsible;
• Assist senior biologists with hazing, deterrence, and the trapping, banding, and translocation of high-threat raptors and owls;
• Deploy, operate, and maintain cellular cameras and solar power systems, and transfer and review footage via cellular networks or SD cards;
• Digitally record observations in the field and assist in maintaining the project database;
• Coordinate daily with Wildlife Innovations personnel and Oceano Dunes SVRA staff and attend weekly coordination meetings; and
• Prepare detailed technical reports and contribute to the year-end summary.

This description is not a comprehensive list of every activity, duty, or responsibility required of the position; duties may be adjusted to meet project needs.

Qualifications

Two qualifications are non-negotiable and will be used to screen applications: expert identification of avian predators (especially raptors and owls) in Southern and Central California by sight, sound, and track, to species and (where applicable) age and sex; and demonstrated four-wheel-drive experience in sand, mud, and/or steep terrain. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate both will not be considered.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Wildlife Science or a closely related field from an accredited university;
• Minimum three (3) years of applicable professional experience conducting wildlife surveys, collecting and logging detailed field data, and preparing technical reports;
• High proficiency identifying avian predator species in Southern and Central California by sight, sound, and track, to species, age, and sex;
• Extensive four-wheel-drive experience in steep, muddy, and/or sandy conditions; ability to perform basic vehicle maintenance (fluids, tire pressure, changing or repairing a tire); and a California driver’s license, or ability to obtain one upon hire;
• Experience deploying, operating, and maintaining trail cameras, including solar power systems, battery changes, and footage review via cellular or SD card;
• Experience using and maintaining binoculars and spotting scopes;
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint); excellent written and oral communication; strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills; ability to meet tight deadlines; and a high level of confidentiality;
• A team-oriented, safety-conscious, and patient approach, with enthusiasm for learning new techniques.

Preferred

• Experience trapping, handling, banding, tagging, or placing transmitters on raptors or other avian species;
• Experience using and maintaining night optics (night-vision goggles, IR lights, and thermal scopes);
• Hold or are currently listed on a Federal Bird Banding Permit (or sub-permit standing), Scientific Collecting Permit, or other relevant state or federal permits;
• S. in Wildlife Science or a related field from an accredited university;
• Experience working in sensitive-species habitat, particularly tern and plover nesting areas;
• Project management experience, including lead preparation of annual reports, proposals, and wildlife mitigation plans, scheduling and training of personnel, and program development;
• >2 years experience conducting environmental consulting;
• ArcGIS or other mapping software experience or certification;
• High proficiency identifying mammalian predator species in Southern and Central California by sight, sound, and track, to species;
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; and
• Willingness to attend and present at professional conferences.

Working Conditions

Field position on a variable schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays during the nesting season, with surveys that can run for long, continuous periods. Expect heat, rain, fog, and wind; standing, walking, reaching, and stooping throughout the day; one to two miles of hiking may be required on some days; carrying up to 50 lbs over uneven terrain, in sand, or in waders or mud boots; varying noise levels, including off-highway vehicle activity; same-day travel between multiple sites; and extended office work for data entry and reporting.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual salary range is $70,000 – $90,000, depending on experience. Candidates who possess more of the “Preferred” qualifications should expect to be placed toward the upper end of the range. Benefits include a health plan, paid sick leave, and SEP IRA eligibility once the employment minimum is met.