Field Biologist (Field Based)

ERM; California; On-site; USD 75,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

ERM is hiring Field Biologists in San Jacinto, California to conduct pre-construction surveys for special status species across client project areas. The role is full-time, limited-term for 3 months with possible extension, and involves frequent travel to various sites with deadlines and field reporting.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of Avian Biology or related experience, familiarity with nesting bird surveys, and the ability to work outdoors in diverse conditions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of Avian Biology or other Special Status Species experience.
• Experience differentiating Kangaroo Rats from similar species (Dipodomys).
• Experience with wildlife exclusion fences, zones, or buffers.
• Familiarity with nesting bird survey protocols and/or bird identification.
• Experience with San Joaquin Kit Fox, California Tiger Salamander, or Swainson's hawk a plus.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather and on challenging terrain.
• Proficiency with sub-meter GPS technologies and map interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-construction special status species surveys across the project area.
• Work locations are remote; ability to work independently.
• Electronic data collection and daily reporting.
• Handheld and sub-meter GPS data collection.
• Survey report compilation and documentation.
• Adhere to ERM safety program and guidelines.
• Travel to client locations as needed; flexible schedule including weekends/holidays.

Skills

Avian biology

Bird identification

GPS data collection

Field safety

Documentation

Communication

Tools

GPS technologies

Map interpretation (USGS/NWI)

Job description

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct surveys and monitoring for special status species for large construction projects in San Jacinto, California. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project. The role of a field biologist requires technical skills, as well as strong organizational and communication skills. This is a full‑time (40+ hours/week), limited‑term role with a duration of 3 months, and the possibility of extension.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Field biologist position to conduct pre‑construction special status species surveys across the client’s project area.
• Work locations are often remote and require Biologist to work independently.
• Electronic data collection.
• Handheld and sub‑meter accurate GPS data collection.
• Daily reporting and survey report compilation.
• Other duties as assigned or required.
• Compliance with ERM’s rigorous safety program.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least 2+ years of Avian Biology + Other Special Status Species Experience required. Expertise should include more than one of the following species: Kangaroo Rats.
• Minimum experience requirements for these species are as follows:
  • Kangaroo Rats – Resume demonstrates ability to differentiate Kangaroo Rats from other Dipodomys species (e.g., coursework/training/experience).
• Must have experience with delineation, installation, or maintenance of wildlife exclusion fence, environmentally sensitive areas, no work buffers, or wildlife exclusion zones.
• Familiarity with nesting bird survey protocols and/or general bird identification skills is required.
• Experience with San Joaquin Kit Fox (SJKF), California Tiger Salamander (CTS), Swainson's hawk (SWHA) a plus.
• Ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and on challenging terrain.
• Working knowledge of sub‑meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography).
• Must have a strong attention to detail in the documentation of work.
• Must have strong organizational and communication skills.
• Desire to work in the field for an extended period and maintain a positive attitude.
• Willingness and ability to travel with overnight stays possible.
• Flexible availability: willingness to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed by the project.
• Demonstrated independent and effective problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is highly preferred.

Pay Transparency

For the Field Biologist position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $74,825 – $96,901, $35.97/hr – $46.58/hr USD, limited‑term, non‑exempt. An employee’s pay position within this range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue‑based metrics, and business or organizational needs. We also may have instances where employee’s fall outside of the range based on the factors noted above. This job may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/Flexforce employees are NOT bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life & disability insurance to benefits eligible employees.

• Benefits Eligibility is limited to Regular employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week. Fixed‑Term employees (including Flexforce) who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours a week or more are eligible for a limited benefits package. Casual employees are NOT benefits eligible. See your recruiter for more details.

Who We Are

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world‑class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our boots to boardroom approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!