THE ROLE

Wildlife Innovations is building a bench of experienced avian biologists we can call on for nesting bird surveys, preconstruction avian surveys, nest and burrow monitoring, and compliance monitoring for sensitive and special-status species across coastal Southern California. Assignments are matched to your availability and to project schedules; there is no minimum hours commitment.

This is a flexible, project-based role well suited to a biologist who wants variable hours, the ability to pick up assignments around an existing schedule, and potential opportunities for specialized training. Further, biologists who demonstrate exemplary performance may be offered the chance to join the Wildlife Innovations’ full-time team.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Conduct preconstruction and nesting bird surveys, adhering to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, California Fish and Game Code, and project-specific permit conditions
• Identify Southern California birds by sight and sound, including raptors, corvids, shorebirds, and the special-status species relevant to each site
• Locate, flag, age, and/or monitor active nests; establish and enforce mitigation measures (when applicable) and communicate results in real time to project biologists and construction crews
• Monitor burrows (e.g., burrowing owl) for occupancy, and support monitoring for California Least Tern, Western Snowy Plover, and other special status species as needed
• Collect georeferenced field data digitally and contribute to technical survey summary reports

This list is representative, not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned.

ABOUT WILDLIFE INNOVATIONS

We are a DGS-certified small/micro business specializing in wildlife research, monitoring, and management. Our mission is to support the protection and recovery of listed species, help clients maintain environmental compliance, rescue injured and contaminated wildlife, and mitigate risks to human health and safety. We work across active construction sites, airports, military installations, ports, and state and city parks, with most of our staff cross-trained across various projects, including those requiring specialized training and certifications.

Our work is grounded in understanding the relationships between species in local ecosystems and the stressors created by human modification of the landscape. We use advanced monitoring and surveillance techniques to design strategies that resolve wildlife conflicts, reduce impacts during construction, improve management outcomes, and support the recovery of focal species.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science, Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field from an accredited university
• Three or more years conducting avian or nesting bird surveys as part of environmental compliance for construction, dredging, or similar activities in California
• Strong identification of Southern California birds (songbirds, shorebirds, raptors, etc.) by sight and sound
• Demonstrated experience identifying and implementing nesting bird mitigation measures in California
• Experience with digital field data collection
• Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to work early mornings and a variable on-call schedule, with heavier demand during nesting season

Preferred: Highlight any that apply

• Currently listed on a USFWS 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit for California least tern, western snowy plover, or other listed species
• CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit, or Master Bander / sub-permittee under the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory
• Trapping, banding, tagging, or other raptor-marking experience, including leading operations
• Current TWIC, DBIDS, or other credentials allowing access to Ports or Military Installations
• Project management or team-lead experience on environmental compliance operations
• Permit application, renewal, and reporting experience
• CEQA/NEPA document preparation
• FAA Part 107 and UAS aerial survey or monitoring experience
• ArcGIS proficiency
• Active policies for general liability, commercial auto, and workers' compensation coverage (for biologists engaging as subcontractors)

Skills and abilities

• Proficiency with physical and digital surveillance equipment (day/night optics, trail cameras, ect.)
• Proficiency in independently conducting field operations while maintaining environmental compliance
• Strong technical writing; clear, prompt communication with project leads, clients, and construction crews
• Works efficiently and independently in the field; MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint)

Physical requirements

• Hike up to 5 miles per day over uneven terrain; stand, walk, reach, and stoop throughout the day
• Work outdoors in all weather (heat, rain, fog, wind) and conduct surveys for long, continuous periods

COMPENSATION AND ENGAGEMENT

• Pay: $32–$75 per hour, depending on experience, permits held, and lead responsibilities. Biologists listed on 10(a)(1)(A) permits and those who can lead crews are compensated at the upper end of the range.
• Schedule: Project-based and as-needed. We give as much notice as project schedules allow; however, short-notice clearance surveys are common during nesting season.
• Engagement: On-call basis