Seasonal Biologist

McCormick Biological, Inc. (MBI) is a biological consulting firm based out of Bakersfield, CA, that specializes in the biological resources of the San Joaquin Valley and surrounding areas. We are seeking applicants for several temporary positions available on or after April 15, 2025, and ending on or before September 30, 2025. Applicants do not need to be available for the entire period; however, availability for most of the period will increase an applicant’s competitiveness for a long-term position. Graduates or students majoring in biology, environmental science, or related fields who have completed at least their sophomore year are encouraged to apply. Start and end dates can be flexible, depending on availability.

General Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of experienced staff, seasonal employees will work on teams to conduct transect surveys following agency-approved methods for the detection of state- and federal-listed species including, but not limited to, blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia sila). In-house and field training will be provided. Duties may also include general maintenance/preparation of field equipment and other administrative tasks as assigned.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Work will be conducted in both field and typical office environments.
• These positions are based in Bakersfield, CA, but field sites may be distributed throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
• Field work may be pre-scheduled up to 1-week in advance, and crew departure times will be coordinated by crew leaders the day before field work is conducted.
• Field work will be completed over an 8-hour workday. Overtime (more than 8 hours a day) may be required to accommodate longer travel times to specific field sites. MBI offers no minimum guarantee of work hours.
• Transect surveys will consist of hiking up to several miles per day in intense sun.
• Field attire appropriate for hiking is required (e.g., shirts with sleeves, long pants, hat, sunglasses, and hiking boots). Many field sites require additional personal protective equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, high-visibility vest, safety glasses, fire-resistant clothing, steel-toed boots, hard hats, and H2S monitors. All required safety equipment will be provided by the employer.
• Potential hazards in the field may include high temperatures, poor air quality, uneven terrain, biting insects, rattlesnakes, oil production equipment, and barbed-wire fencing.
• There is a 30-day unpaid break from work activities (July 16th through August 14th). During this time, opportunities for additional part-time work and/or continuing education may be provided by senior staff.
• Other tasks include, but are not limited to, maintaining/preparing field equipment (e.g., taking company vehicles through car wash, cleaning ice chests/binoculars/etc., bagging ice for field crews), disposal of trash, gathering recyclables, and shredding paper.

Required Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid state-issued driver’s license (or ability to obtain a license) is required.
• Reliable transportation to and from MBI’s office.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment.
• Employment is conditional on successfully passing a drug test administered at an off-site laboratory.
• Position is subject to educational and criminal background check.
• A working cell phone for daily communications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduation with or currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university with emphasis in biological sciences, ecology, or wildlife biology.
• Field experience with endangered and threatened species of the San Joaquin Valley. Emphasis on reptile species identification is a plus.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate a Windows-based computer for word processing, data entry, and/or accessing the Internet.
• Previous experience working in/around developed and undeveloped oil/gas facilities is highly desired.