Wildlife Biologist

Stillwater Sciences is seeking a highly motivated wildlife biologist based in Berkeley or Davis, California to lead field efforts. Field efforts will primarily include work with special-status amphibians and aquatic reptiles including foothill yellow legged‑ frogs, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs, and/or northwestern pond turtles. In addition to field efforts, this position would also provide in-office project support (including but not limited to data entry and analysis, reporting, and project management or assistance) for Berkeley and Davis and our other West Coast offices.  Apply here!

 

Responsibilities:

• Lead field efforts for special status amphibians and aquatic reptiles.
• Coordinate and communicate with project managers, field crews or leads, construction personnel, and clients regularly and with professionalism.
• Comfort assuming responsibilities as a field crew leader and working independently (in office) or as part of a team.
• Plan, navigate, and hike (often over long distances and steep, uneven terrain) to field sites—sometimes in remote locations in hot, cold, or inclement weather or at night. Surveys may require wading, swimming, and/or snorkeling in rivers, creeks, or ponds with cold water temperatures, swift-moving water.
• Clear and organized data entry, data management, analysis, and reporting.
• Draft wildlife and herpetology-related habitat assessments, technical reports, and perform literature and database searches.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams for various resources, projects, or tasks (e.g., field work or data analysis/report writing support for fisheries, water quality, invasive aquatic species sampling, etc.).

 

Qualified applicants should ideally have the following skills or experience:

• Special-status amphibian handling permit (or all of the experience needed to qualify) for foothill yellow-legged frog. Additional experience with Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog and/or northwestern pond turtle is a plus.
• Proven experience safely working leading field crews (of various sizes) in remote areas.
• Experience with California native special-status amphibians and aquatic reptiles including field identification, safe handling, and decontamination protocols.
• Experience and comfort with 4-wheel drive vehicles, safely driving on rural, remote, or mountain roads (including one‑lane roads).
• Experience working with boats and motors (inflatable zodiacs, gas and electric motors).
• Willingness to travel and endurance to work long hours in the field (10- to 12-hour field days) on uneven terrain (or in the office) to meet project needs.
• Experience conducting pre-construction surveys or construction monitoring.
• Experience working with Survey123, eDNA sample collection, or other wildlife knowledge and field experience a plus.

 

Qualified applicants should possess:

• Valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Attention to detail and commitment to sound science.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• BS in Wildlife Biology (and natural resource field with experience in the environmental field) or MS in relevant field.
• Must live in the United States and possess a valid work authorization and valid driver’s license

 

Compensation and Position Details:

• Full-time, exempt position based in Berkeley or Davis, CA
• Compensation range of $67,000–$100,000 annually; Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Stillwater Sciences provides a competitive compensation package including a 401(k) plan, full health and dental care and an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) after entry criteria are met.
• Hybrid schedule available (when not in field): in office a minimum of 24 hours/3 days a week
• Out-of-town work (requiring overnight stays) required (field efforts, meetings, and conferences).
• Please provide a cover letter describing experience and a resume in PDF format. Resumes without a cover letter and writing sample will not be considered.

 

Interview Process:

• Resume review will begin in early January 2025.
• Interview process will consist of the following steps:
  • Resume review
  • Phone screen (15-30 minutes)
  • Initial video interview (60 minutes)
  • Secondary in-person or video interview (60 minutes)
  • Reference check
  • Offer extended
• Position will remain open until filled.

 

Apply here!

 

About Stillwater Sciences:

Stillwater Sciences is an employee-owned environmental consulting firm specializing in scientifically based solutions to aquatic, terrestrial, and watershed resource management. We assist government agencies, NGOs, and private clients with environmental problem solving, planning, and permitting using a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates physical and biological processes. We have approximately 100 full-time, dedicated, and enthusiastic employees throughout the Western U.S. in nine offices. We maintain a collaborative work environment that promotes productive and rigorous applied scientific research. We pride ourselves on defining and shaping our individual careers in a way that provides a healthy rhythm of work and life responsibilities. Success at Stillwater requires a blend of passion, initiative, commitment, flexibility, and teamwork. Stillwater Sciences is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.