Wildlife Biologist_San Francisco Bay

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 also provide environmental compliance services for a variety of projects and support injured wildlife rescue programs. 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 biologists are trained and certified/permitted to employ a variety of techniques to support conservation and environmental compliance in both urban and rural environments.

Job Summary:

The Wildlife Biologist is responsible for to assist with surveillance of avian and mammalian predators of California Least Terns and Western Snowy Plovers within eastern San Francisco Bay. The Biologist will conduct visual surveillance and help maintain digital camera systems (i.e. changing SD cards or batteries) to identify predator and prey presence and evaluate behavior. Note, this position requires a high proficiency in being able to accurately identify avian species (especially raptors) in California, by sight and sound. The biologist will record all observed disturbance and predation of listed species, maintaining detailed digital data logs of all observations. Surveillance will be conducted twice per week and include point count surveys, predator transects (by foot), and focused monitoring of nesting sites. Surveillance will be conducted for approximately 10 hours per day, most often beginning at or just before sunrise, starting in April and continuing through July of 2024. In addition to digital data collection, a summary report will be completed and submitted following completion of each day. Additionally, the Avian Biologist may perform general bird and/or nesting bird surveys, as needed. Note, depending upon performance and experience, the term of services for Wildlife Innovations may be eligible for extension.

Compliance Obligations:

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform mammalian and avian predator and prey surveys by sight, sign, and remote sensing equipment;
• Perform Point Count and Transect Surveys;
• Conduct bird and/or nesting bird surveys;
• Perform or assist in the handling/marking of avian predator species as-needed;
• Digitally collect/record data and maintain database(s);
• Place, operate, transfer data from, and maintain trail cameras; and
• Prepare detailed daily 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 professional experience;
• California Driver’s License or ability to obtain one once hired;
• Ability to diligently conduct surveys and accurately record detailed field observational data;
• High proficiency in accurately identify avian species in California, by sight, sound, and track, and down to species, age, and sex (when applicable);
• Professional experience conducting wildlife surveys, collecting/logging detailed data, and preparation of technical reports;
• 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 and spotting scopes;
• Extensive experience/proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• 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.; and
• Ability to hike up to ten (3) miles per day, but more commonly one (1) mile

Desired Experience, Licenses, and Experience:

• Scientific Collecting Permit or other permits
• Project Management Experience;
• Experience operating in sensitive species habitat;
• MS in Wildlife Science, or a related field, at an accredited University;
• Experience in the handling, banding, tagging, and/or placement of transmitters on raptors;
• ArcGIS or mapping software certifications/experience; and
• Experience preparing annual reports, including data analysis

Job Type: Part-time/Temporary

Compensation: $37-$45/Hour (DOE), Sick Pay