On-Call Avian Biologist

About Us

Wildlife Innovations is a DGS-certified small/micro business specializing in environmental consulting with a focus on wildlife research and management. Our mission is to support the protection and recovery of listed species, help clients maintain environmental compliance, and mitigate risks to human health and safety. We work with a diverse set of wildlife species across a wide range of environments and landowners, including active construction sites, airports, military installations, ports, state parks, city parks, and other areas. Most of our staff are cross trained to assist us on a variety of projects and tasks, which sometime involves specialized training and certifications.

Our work is grounded in understanding the intricate relationships between species within local ecosystems and the stressors created by human modifications to the landscape. We believe that effective monitoring and management programs rely on a deep understanding of the ecological and behavioral factors driving local ecosystems. To achieve this, we use advanced monitoring/surveillance techniques to design and implement innovative strategies that resolve wildlife conflicts, reduce negative impacts during construction, improve management outcomes, and support the recovery of focal species while protecting native flora and fauna.

Job Summary

The On-Call Avian Biologist will support Wildlife Innovations’ environmental compliance projects by conducting nesting bird surveys, preconstruction avian surveys, biological assessments, burrow/nest monitoring for sensitive and special-status bird species and by implementing appropriate mitigation measures across coastal Southern California. Work will be assigned on an as-needed basis coinciding with project schedules and availability of the biologist. 

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 Innovation’s full-time team.

 Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct preconstruction and nesting bird surveys in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and applicable state/federal regulations
• Identify birds by sight and sound, including raptors, corvids, shorebirds, and other special-status species relevant to the project area
• Locate, flag, age, and monitor active nests; establish and monitor construction buffers around nesting habitat
• Monitor wildlife burrows (e.g., burrowing owl) for occupancy as needed
• Communicate real-time survey results to project biologists and construction crews to support compliance
• Digitally collect and maintain field data, including GPS points and photo documentation
• Prepare daily monitoring logs and contribute to survey summary reports

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

Qualifications

education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field, from an accredited university

experience

Required:

• Minimum three (3) years of experience conducting avian or nesting bird surveys, as part of environmental compliance for construction, dredging, or other related activities in California
• Strong ability to identify Southern California bird species (songbirds, shorebirds, birds of prey, ect.) by sight and sound
• Demonstrated experience identifying and implementing nesting bird mitigation measures for California
• Experience with digital field data collection

Preferred:

• Have demonstrated experience in project management and leading teams, especially with environmental compliance operations
• Have experience conducting monitoring and/or banding of California Least Terns, Western Snowy Plovers, Burrowing Owls, and or other special status species; preference will be given to those who are currently listed on 10a1A Recovery permits to conduct this work
• Hold or are listed on permits to conduct biological surveys or other related work in California
• Have demonstrated experience in permit applications, renewals, and reporting
• Have demonstrated experience leading banding, tagging, or other raptor-marking operations
• Are experienced in the preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents
• Have conducted aerial surveys and/or monitoring using drones/ Uncrewed Aircraft (UAV)

Licenses & Certifications

• Required: California Driver’s License (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Preferred:
• 10a1A Recovery Permit, Scientific Collecting Permit and/or Master Banding Permit (holder or listed sub-permittee)
• Active Insurance Policies (e.g. GL, Commercial Auto, Workers Comp)
• ArcGIS or other mapping software certification
• UAV FAA Part 107

Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency with physical and digital surveillance equipment
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint)
• Strong technical writing and communication skills
• Ability to work efficiently and independently and communicate findings clearly and promptly to project leads
• Proficiency in client facing and communication
• Ability to adapt to a variable, on-call schedule, including early mornings and seasonal peaks during nesting season

Physical Requirements

• Able to hike up to 5 miles/day over uneven terrain
• Able to stand, walk, reach, and stoop throughout the day
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, rain, and fog
• Able to conduct surveys for long, continuous periods

Compensation

• Pay: $32-60/hour, depending on experience
• Project-based, as-needed schedule