We have has an immediate need for a full-time Wildlife Biologist to join our team on a multi-year engagement located on Fort Irwin near Barstow, CA. The Wildlife Biologist will perform services in support of natural resource management and in compliance with the Sikes Act, Endangered Species Act (ESA); other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and related DoD and U.S. Army Directives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities for this position include

• Lead and/or assist with the biological monitoring programs for springs/seeps, and threatened, endangered and sensitive species surveys (including: burrowing owl, Mojave fringe-toed lizard, Mohave ground squirrel, Lane Mountain milk-vetch, and desert cymopterus).
• Conduct pre-construction surveys to determine the presence or absence of wildlife and vegetation.
• Providing construction or project monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Respond to after-hours calls requesting assistance with wildlife/human conflicts (typically 1 week rotation per month to be On-call-24/7).
• Promoting environmental awareness through outreach and education.
• Care of captive desert tortoises.
• Preparing reports documenting results of data collection efforts.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• On an annual basis, this position consists of approximately 50% field work (typically exceeding this during spring and fall seasons).

Minimum Requirements for skills, Experience, and Credentials

• Bachelors degree in biology, botany, ecology, or closely related field, with a minimum of one year of related experience OR a Masters degree in a relevant field.
• Experience navigating and collecting data using GPS technology.
• A working knowledge of standard office computer software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record.
• Upon hiring, the applicant must be able to pass a federal background check required prior to gaining access to unclassified government computer work stations.

Additional Preferred Experience:

• Experience working in the Mojave Desert ecosystem and the ability to work long days in a wide range of weather conditions.
• Experience working with Desert Tortoises or completion of the Desert Tortoise Council’s introductory training course.
• Experience with Fort Irwin’s other special status species (burrowing owl, Mojave fringe-toed lizard, Mohave ground squirrel, Lane Mountain milk-vetch, and desert cymopterus.
• Plant identification skills for species common to the Mojave Desert or experience in plant identification in other desert ecosystems with an aptitude for learning new plant species quickly.
• Experience capturing or handling wildlife species using specialized equipment (Traps, snake tongs, noose pole).
• Experience utilizing camera traps to monitor wildlife.
• Knowledge and experience with mapping software (ArcGIS).
• Ability to operate 4x4 vehicles on unimproved dirt roads and ability to change a flat tire independently.

The work environment for this position requires the following:

Must be able walk over long distances and across of variety of terrains, including uneven surfaces for extended periods of time

Must be able to climb, jump, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs

Must be able to work with minimal supervision

Must be a proficient data recorder with great attention to detail

Must have highly proficient communication skills