Field Biologist (Field Based)

Environmental Resources Management (ERM); Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and special status species surveys across the Bakersfield to Shaver Lake area in California. The role requires working in remote sites, coordinating with construction crews, and maintaining detailed documentation and data collection throughout the project.

The position is full-time for 5 months with potential renewal.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of Avian Biology and other special status species experience is required.
• Fluency in English; Spanish is highly preferred.
• Experience with nesting bird survey protocols is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nesting bird and special status species surveys across field sites.
• Work independently in remote locations and coordinate with construction crews.
• Collect data electronically with sub-meter GPS accuracy and report daily findings.
• Ensure compliance with client requirements and safety protocols.

Skills

Avian Biology

Special Status Species

Bilingual English/Spanish

Tools

GPS technology

Map interpretation

USGS/NWI

Job description

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct nesting bird surveys and surveys for special status species for a large vegetation management compliance program in the Bakersfield to Shaver Lake, CA area.

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 5 months and the possibility of renewal.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Field biologist position to conduct pre-construction nesting bird and other special status species surveys and construction monitoring across the client's territory.
• Work locations are often remote and require Biologist to work independently.
• Monitoring involves coordination with construction crews and providing advice for maintaining compliance with client requirements.
• 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.
• In addition to nesting birds, expertise should include more than one of the following species: Southwestern Willow Fly Catcher, Burrowing Owl, Spotted Owl, Eagles/raptors, Least Bell's Vireo, California Gnatcatcher, Yosemite toad, CA Red-Legged Frog, Yellow Legged Frog subspecies, Pacific Fisher, San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat, Stephen's Kangaroo Rat, Western Pond Turtle or Desert Tortoise.
• Familiarity with nesting bird survey protocols and/or general bird identification skills required.
• 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 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.
• Demonstrated independent and effective problem solving and decision‑making skills.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Fluency in English and Spanish highly preferred.

ABOUT US

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.

PAY & BENEFITS

• For the Field Biologist position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $73,000 - $80,000, $35.09/hr - $38.46/hr, 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.
• 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.

DEI & EEO STATEMENTS

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.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes.