Predator Biologist

About Wildlife Innovations.:

Wildlife Innovations is a DGS-certified small and micro business specializing in environmental consulting with a focus on wildlife research and management. Our mission is to support the protection and recovery of listed species, ensure environmental compliance, and mitigate risks to human health and safety. Our extensive experience spans managing diverse wildlife species across a wide range of environments, including active construction sites, airports, military installations, ports, state parks, and urban and coastal areas such as city and state beaches.

At Wildlife Innovations, we are committed to understanding the intricate relationships between species within local ecosystems and the stressors created by human modifications to the landscape. We believe that effective management programs rely on a deep understanding of the ecological and behavioral factors driving local ecosystems. To achieve this, we prioritize intensive monitoring using advanced physical and digital surveillance techniques. Our approach also emphasizes the design, testing, and implementation of innovative strategies that resolve wildlife conflicts, enhance effectiveness, increase reproductive success of focal species, and reduce negative impacts to native flora and fauna.

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, Orange, and LA Counties. 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, this position may include the fitting of some predators with GPS transmitters as part of associated research projects and also injured wildlife rescue. 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 initiate as soon as successful candidates are selected.

Compliance Obligations:

• Maintain compliance with Wildlife Innovation protocols and 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;
• Assist in predator research projects; 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 (3) years applicable experience (Avian or Mammalian variations may impact the job experience requirement);
• California Driver’s License or ability to obtain one once hired;
• Proficiency in the safe handling, transport, and maintenance of firearms (successful applicants must have this experience);
• 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, and maintenance;
• 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;
• 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;
• Listed on or the permit holder of a Scientific Collecting and/or Master Banding Permit;
• Proficiency in composing annual reports, proposals, and management plans;
• Banding, tagging, and/or other raptor marking experience;
• ArcGIS or mapping software certifications/experience;
• Wilderness First Aid (dependent on project); and

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: $65,000-$77,000 (DOE), PTO, Health Plan, Sick Leave, Eligible for SEP IRA after employment minimum achieved