Predator Biologist

About Wildlife Innovations Inc.:

Wildlife Innovations, Inc. is a biological consulting firm that specializes in wildlife and predator research and management to support the recovery of threatened and endangered species, promote habitat restoration/maintenance, and reduce human/wildlife conflict. We utilize the latest technology to support our objectives, and those of our clients, and have extensive experience working on city, state, and federal lands, including in areas requiring a higher level of operational awareness, such as on military installations, State Parks, busy construction sites, and airports. Wildlife Innovations is certified by the State of California as a Small Business and Micro Business and by the City of San Diego as a SLBE. Our skilled biologists are trained and certified/permitted to employ a variety of techniques to mitigate wildlife conflicts, including focused surveillance, deterrence and exclusionary devices, trapping, translocation, and the safe and discrete utilization of lethal and nonlethal techniques in both urban and rural environments. 

Job Summary:

The Predator Biologist is responsible for conducting research, focused surveillance, and control of mammalian and avian predators that present a high threat to federally threatened and endangered species, more specifically the California Least Tern, Western Snowy Plover, and Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail. Work will be conducted in coastal areas of San Diego. This position will comprise visual and digital predator surveillance (daytime and/or nighttime) of nesting areas and surrounding habitat, post-predation site investigations, digital data collection, and targeted management of high-threat predators. Data collected during surveillance efforts and predation investigations will be used to identify high threat individuals and/or species of predators and inform management efforts. Additionally, all data collected will be used to adapt management techniques for and enhance efficiency of other conservation programs on both a local and regional scale. This position will be for approximately 12 months, initiating March 2023 (may be negotiable). Upon satisfactory completion of all duties during this term, and depending on funding, employment with Wildlife Innovations may be extended.

Compliance Obligations:

• Maintain compliance with Federal, State, and Local laws.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform diurnal and nocturnal mammalian and avian predator surveys by sight, sign, and remote sensing equipment;
• Manage avian and mammalian predators;
• Digitally collect/record data and maintain database(s);
• Investigate predation sites;
• Construct, set, and maintain predator traps;
• Place, operate, upload data from, and maintain trail cameras; and
• Prepare detailed weekly/monthly/annual technical reports.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Wildlife Science, at an accredited University, or a closely related field required;
• Minimum of two (2) years applicable experience (Avian or Mammalian variations may impact the job experience requirement);
• California Driver’s License or ability to obtain one once hired;
• Ability to diligently conduct predator management and surveys and accurately record detailed field observational data;
• Experience in animal tracking;
• Ability to safely handle a various species of wildlife, as-needed;
• Ability to accurately identify predators, more specifically birds of prey, corvids, and mammals, in Southern and Central California, by sight, sound, and track, and down to species, age, and sex (when applicable);
• Experience trapping and/or hunting, conducting wildlife surveys, collecting/logging detailed data, and preparation of technical reports;
• Extensive Four-wheel drive experience, including operating in steep, muddy, or sandy environments;
• Ability to perform basic vehicle maintenance (i.e. checking oil, checking tire pressure and changing or repairing a tire);
• Experience with digital camera deployment, operation, maintenance, and care (i.e. proper placement, changing and reviewing footage via cellular networks or SD cards, changing/recharging batteries, and maintaining solar power systems for cameras;
• Experience with using and maintaining optics, including binoculars, spotting scopes, night vision goggles, thermal scopes, firearms sights/scopes;
• Ability to operate, maintain, transport/store, construct, and deploy a variety of traps used to capture wildlife;
• Extensive experience/proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint;
• Working knowledge of all standard office equipment;
• Ability to adapt to a variable work schedule;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills and ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Ability to operate as a team player;
• A positive attitude;
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills and techniques;
• Strong safety consciousness;
• Patience;
• High level of confidentiality;
• Willingness to travel to various project sites in a single day;
• Ability to conduct surveys for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Ability to use a keyboard to communicate and perform research, through written means, for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Ability to shift between standing, walking, reaching, and stooping throughout the day;
• Ability to lift or carry up to 50lbs (while hiking) and over uneven terrain, possibly while wearing waders or mud boots, or in sand;
• Willingness to work in inclement weather, including heat, rain, fog, etc.;
• Ability to hike up to ten (10) miles per day, but more commonly one (1) to two (2) miles; and
• Tolerance for exposure to various noise levels;

Desired Experience, Licenses, and Experience:

• Project Management Experience;
• Experience conducting predator control while operating in sensitive species habitat;
• Experience conducting predation investigations;
• MS in Wildlife Science, or a related field, at an accredited University;
• NRA Firearms Safety Certifications;
• Hunters Safety Certificate and Hunting License;
• California Trapper’s License;
• Proficiency in composing annual reports, proposals, and management plans;
• Proficiency in the safe handling, transport, and maintenance of firearms;
• Banding, tagging, and/or other raptor marking experience;
• ArcGIS or mapping software certifications/experience;
• Wilderness First Aid (dependent on project); and
• Willingness to attend and present at conferences.

Job Type: Full-time/Temporary

Compensation: $25-$35/Hour, Health Plan, Sick Leave

Wildlife Innovations Inc.  provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.