Biologist - Technical Expert (On-Call)

Environmental Science Associates; California, San Diego (MO, CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

Environmental Science Associates is seeking part-time field biologists and technical report writers with a bachelor's degree and 10+ years of experience in southern and central California. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, habitat assessments, and technical reporting, with a strong preference for candidates experienced with desert species. The role requires physical stamina, willingness to travel, and effective communication skills within a diverse team.

Benefits

Sick leave

Employee stock ownership program

Tax-deferred 401(k) plan

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in southern and central California.
• Experience with desert species preferred.
• Open to travel and able to handle physical demands.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys for special-status species and nesting birds.
• Maintain detailed monitoring logs and utilize electronic data collection tools.
• Communicate effectively with team members and project stakeholders.

Skills

Surveying

Habitat assessments

Technical report writing

Data collection

GIS applications

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 part-time on-call services is expected to be greatest in spring through summer, with periodic work throughout other parts of the year. Strong preference is given to candidates with desert species experience, including desert tortoise and Mojave ground squirrel.

Who You Are

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

Candidates must have experience surveying, handling, or monitoring species such as arroyo toad, bighorn sheep, blunted-nosed leopard lizard, California mountain lion, California tiger salamander, Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, coastal California gnatcatcher, Crotch's bumble bee, desert tortoise, foothill yellow-legged frog, giant kangaroo rat, least Bell's vireo, nesting birds/raptors, Mohave ground squirrel, San Joaquin kit fox, certain fish species, Stephens' kangaroo rat, Swainson's hawk, southwestern willow flycatcher, tri-colored blackbird, western burrowing owl, western Joshua tree, yellow-billed cuckoo, or vernal pool species.

Experience with desert species, including desert tortoise and Mojave ground squirrel, is strongly preferred. Candidates must be open to travel, with mileage and travel reimbursements provided. Physical requirements include walking long distances with a backpack, lifting at least 50 pounds, and working outdoors in various weather conditions and terrains. Some early morning, late night, or weekend work may be necessary. A writing sample may be requested during the interview process.

Depending on species experience, state or federal permits or approval from CDFW may be required.

What You Will Do for ESA

You will participate in plant and wildlife surveys, aquatic resource delineations, and technical reporting. Responsibilities include:

• Conducting surveys for special-status species and nesting birds
• Identifying and relocating sensitive species as needed
• Communicating effectively with team members and project stakeholders
• Maintaining detailed monitoring logs and utilizing electronic data collection tools
• Entering data into GIS applications
• Working on construction sites around heavy equipment
• Having own transportation and smartphone
• Passing background checks or drug tests if required

What’s Special About Our Biology Team

Our diverse team includes biologists, ecologists, permitting specialists, and conservation biologists who serve many municipalities across California. Our work helps shape sustainable futures and 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 community resilience. Benefits include sick leave, potential participation in our employee stock ownership program, and a tax-deferred 401(k) plan.

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

Who We Are

We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm that values diversity and inclusion. Our culture emphasizes mutual respect and the benefits of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

All employees working in-person are required to submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exemption, in accordance with safety protocols.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace (EOEM/V/F/D).