Biologist - Technical Expert (On-Call)

Environmental Science Associates; California, Irvine (MO, CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Environmental Science Associates is seeking part-time field biologists and technical report writers with a bachelor's degree in environmental or biological sciences and 10+ years of experience. The role involves conducting biological surveys, habitat assessments, and preparing technical reports across southern and central California, with a focus on desert species. Candidates should be open to travel, capable of fieldwork, and able to work in various weather conditions.

Benefits

Sick leave

Potential participation in stock ownership

Retirement plans

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in southern and central California.
• Experience with desert species such as desert tortoise & Mojave ground squirrel preferred.
• Open to travel and capable of handling fieldwork conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological surveys and prepare technical reports.
• Identify and relocate sensitive species as needed.
• Enter data into GIS applications and maintain monitoring logs.

Skills

Fieldwork

Species surveys

Technical report writing

Habitat assessments

Data entry into GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental or biological science

Job description

ESA is seeking variable part-time (on-call) field biologists and technical report writers who hold a bachelor's degree in an environmental or biological science discipline with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in southern and central California, and are willing to travel. The need for services is expected to be greatest in spring through summer, with periodic work throughout the rest of the year. Preference is given to candidates with desert species experience, including desert tortoise & Mojave ground squirrel.

Who You Are

Preference is given to candidates with experience in plant and wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and/or technical report writing for Southern California, Central Valley, or desert regions of California, Nevada, Utah, or Arizona. Direct experience with habitat assessments, vegetation mapping, or aquatic resources delineations is valued.

Experience with species such as arroyo toad, bighorn sheep, leopard lizard, California mountain lion, tiger salamander, Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, and others listed is required. Desert species experience, including desert tortoise & Mojave ground squirrel, is highly preferred.

Qualified candidates must be open to travel, with mileage and travel reimbursements provided. You should enjoy fieldwork, be capable of walking long distances carrying equipment, and able to lift at least 50 pounds. Work may involve all weather conditions and rugged terrain, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. Some positions may require state or federal permits or biologist approval from CDFW.

What You Will Do for ESA

You will conduct biological surveys, aquatic resource delineations, and prepare technical reports. Responsibilities include:

1. Conducting species surveys and nesting bird surveys
2. Identifying and relocating sensitive species when needed
3. Communicating effectively with team members and stakeholders
4. Maintaining detailed monitoring logs and utilizing electronic data collection tools
5. Entering data into GIS applications
6. Working on construction sites around heavy equipment
7. Having own transportation and smartphone
8. Passing background checks or drug tests if required

What's Special About Our Biology Team

Our team includes biologists, ecologists, permitting specialists, and conservation scientists, working across California to conserve natural resources. We value creativity, teamwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What's Special About ESA

Joining ESA means being part of a dedicated team contributing to impactful projects, environmental stewardship, and sustainable futures. Benefits include sick leave, potential participation in stock ownership and retirement plans.

Pay ranges are tailored to geographic locations, with an approximate range of $57.88—$88.94 USD per hour, depending on experience and location.

Who We Are

We are a 100% employee-owned firm that values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture of mutual respect and varied perspectives. We are committed to a safe workplace and require proof of vaccination or approved exemptions where applicable.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion (EOEM/V/F/D).