Predator 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, ensure environmental compliance, and reduce risks to human health and safety. We manage diverse wildlife species across a wide range of environments — including active construction sites, airports, military installations, ports, state parks, and urban/coastal areas.

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 management programs rely on a deep understanding of the ecological and behavioral factors driving local ecosystems. To achieve this, we use advanced monitoring techniques to design and implement strategies that resolve wildlife conflicts, improve management outcomes, and support the recovery of focal species while protecting native flora and fauna.

Job Summary

The Predator Biologist conducts research, surveillance, and management of mammalian and avian predators that threaten federally endangered species – specifically the California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover – across coastal San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties.

The role includes day and night predator surveillance of nesting habitat, post-predation site investigations, digital data collection, and targeted management of high-threat predators. It may also involve fitting predators with GPS transmitters for research purposes and assisting with injured wildlife rescue. Data collected supports adaptive management on both a local and regional scale.

This position will start as soon as a successful candidate is selected.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct diurnal and nocturnal predator surveys by sight, sign, and remote sensing equipment
• Manage avian and mammalian predators in accordance with Wildlife Innovations protocols and applicable federal, state, and local laws
• Investigate predation sites
• Construct, set, and maintain predator traps
• Deploy, operate, maintain, and upload data from trail cameras
• Digitally collect and maintain field data and databases
• Support ongoing predator research projects
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and annual technical reports

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

Qualifications

education

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

experience

• Required:
  • Minimum 2 years of applicable experience (avian/mammalian specialization may adjust this requirement)
  • Experience trapping and/or hunting, conducting wildlife surveys, and preparing technical reports
  • Experience in animal tracking and identifying predators of Southern/Central California ((birds of prey, corvids, and mammals) by sight, sound, and track, down to species, age, and sex when applicable
  • Experience deploying and maintaining digital cameras and optics (binoculars, spotting scopes, night vision goggles, thermal scopes, firearm sights/scopes)
  • Safe handling, transport, and maintenance of firearms
• Preferred:
  • Project management experience
  • Experience conducting predator control in sensitive species habitat
  • Experience conducting predation investigations
  • Banding, tagging, or other raptor-marking experience
  • Proficiency composing annual reports, proposals, and management plans

Licenses & Certifications

• Required: California Driver’s License (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Preferred:
  • NRA Firearms Safety Certification
  • Hunter Safety Certificate and Hunting License
  • California Trapper’s License
  • Scientific Collecting Permit and/or Master Banding Permit (holder or listed sub-permittee)
  • ArcGIS or other mapping software certification
  • Wilderness First Aid (project-dependent)

Skills & Abilities

• Strong four-wheel-drive experience, including steep, muddy, or sandy terrain
• Basic vehicle maintenance (checking oil/tire pressure, changing or repairing a tire)
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• Ability to safely handle various wildlife species as needed
• Ability to operate, maintain, transport, and deploy a variety of wildlife traps
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills; able to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to adapt to a variable work schedule and travel to multiple project sites in a single day

Physical Requirements

• Able to hike up to 10 miles/day (typically 1–2 miles)
• Able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs over uneven terrain, possibly while wearing waders or mud boots
• Able to stand, walk, reach, and stoop throughout the day
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, rain, and fog
• Tolerant of variable noise levels
• Able to conduct surveys for long, continuous periods

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $67,000–$80,000/year, depending on experience
• Paid time off (PTO) and sick leave
• Health plan
• SEP IRA eligibility after minimum employment period is met