THE ROLE

The Wildlife Biologist / Management Specialist is a field lead on a comprehensive, adaptive Canada Goose management program in San Mateo County, addressing human health and safety conflicts in city and state parks while protecting the sensitive resources those parks exist to conserve. The program pairs active deterrence and hazing with nest surveys, egg addling, biological monitoring, and public outreach, and every management decision is driven by the data you collect.

Day to day, the work combines hazing with audial and visual deterrents, high-powered lasers, aerial and amphibious drones, and boats; nest surveys and mapping; direct and digital wildlife surveillance; data collection and reporting; and close coordination with a dog hazing team, park staff, and the public. For biologists who prove themselves, this program is a doorway into the rest of our Bay Area portfolio: threatened and endangered birds, birds of prey, wild pigs, mountain lions, and other predators, with satellite tracking, thermal optics, remote-controlled vehicles, and remote sensing in the toolkit.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Implement Canada Goose deterrence and hazing under established protocols and permit conditions, using audial and visual deterrents, high-powered lasers, aerial and amphibious drones, and boats
• Conduct Canada Goose nest surveys, nest mapping, and egg addling
• Run direct and digital wildlife surveys and surveillance; collect data digitally to support adaptive management decisions
• Prepare field logs and contribute to technical reports and client deliverables
• Lead public education and outreach on humane goose management; coordinate field operations with the dog hazing team, park staff, and other project staff
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and permit conditions

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. We 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, working with state and federal agencies, municipalities, and other stakeholders across construction sites, airports, military installations, ports, and city and state parks. Our approach is grounded in 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 resolve wildlife conflicts, improve management outcomes, and support the recovery of focal species. Most staff are cross-trained across projects, with strong mentorship, professional development, and clear paths for advancement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field
• Two or more years of professional experience in wildlife management, avian biology, or a closely related field
• Avian species identification and protocol-level survey experience (required)
• Ability to safely operate drones, boats, and field vehicles, or willingness to learn
• Excellent field documentation, observational, and communication skills; ability to work independently in remote outdoor settings and all weather
• Availability for early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as the project schedule requires
• Valid California driver's license, or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire

Preferred — tell us about any that apply

• Professional hazing experience with Canada Geese or other wildlife, using a range of tools
• MBTA/USFWS permit experience, ideally for Canada Geese, and permit compliance documentation
• GPS transmitter deployment on wildlife, ideally Canada Geese
• FAA Part 107 certificate or experience supporting aerial surveys; California Boater Card; experience hauling trailers over 12 ft in urban traffic
• Project development and management experience
• Familiarity with adaptive wildlife management in urban or protected natural areas; GIS or mapping proficiency

Working conditions

• Variable schedule driven by goose activity: early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Long field days outdoors in all weather, often working independently in remote areas and from boats, vehicles, and on foot over uneven terrain

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary: $65,000–$85,000 per year, depending on experience. Candidates with hands-on goose hazing, MBTA permit experience, a Part 107 certificate, or a record of managing field projects are compensated at the upper end of the range.
• Benefits: health plan, paid time off, sick leave, and retirement plan eligibility (subject to length of employment); bonus eligibility (subject to employee and company performance).
• Professional development: reimbursement for approved training, certifications, and continuing education; structured mentorship and paths for advancement.
• Start date: immediate, or as negotiated with the successful candidate.