Wildlife Biologist

Position Title: Staff Wildlife Biologist

Location: Various locations in California (including Bakersfield, Fresno, Lancaster, Kernville, Victorville, Visalia); potential travel to AZ, NV, NM, OR, WA
Status: On-call / Non-exempt
Compensation: $22–$28/hour (DOE)
Hours: Flexible, up to 40+ hours/week
Start Date: Rolling/hiring as needed

About the Role:

SummitWest is seeking an early-career Staff Wildlife Biologist to support environmental compliance and field biology projects across California and the western U.S. The role is ideal for individuals looking to grow in environmental consulting with a focus on wildlife and construction compliance monitoring.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct construction monitoring and pre-construction surveys
• Perform field surveys (wildlife, botanical, and wetland)
• Ensure contractor compliance with mitigation measures and environmental regulations
• Deliver worker environmental awareness programs
• Use tools like ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, and GPS devices for data collection
• Prepare technical reports, daily monitoring logs, and compliance documentation
• Work independently in rugged terrain and diverse environmental conditions
• Maintain consistent communication with project managers and contractors

Qualifications: Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field and 6+ months of field experience
  OR 3+ years of biological field experience without degree
• Based in California
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to work independently, manage time, and meet deadlines
• Strong writing, communication, and data collection skills
• Physically capable of hiking 10+ miles/day and carrying 25 lbs

Preferred:

• California field experience in environmental consulting
• 4×4 vehicle operation experience

Perks & Benefits:

• Paid time off & sick leave
• Potential eligibility for health insurance, 401(k) matching, educational stipend
• Cell phone stipend and paid training
• Mentorship and proposal writing support
• Flexible scheduling and remote work options
• Inclusive and supportive team culture

Company Values:

SummitWest is a woman-owned small business dedicated to people-first leadership, transparency, and environmental excellence. We promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and are committed to supporting career development—especially for women in STEM.