Job Postings

Job Postings

If you have job announcements you would like posted on this page, send them to jobs@tws-west.org. Job listings will be posted for 3 months unless a closing date is listed on the job announcement.

There is also a jobs page on the national TWS web site at careers.wildlife.org

(Date indicates when each announcement was posted to the web site.)

29 July, 2025: Biological Monitoring Program Administrator, Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan

Description

The Santa Ana Watershed Association (SAWA), a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, is seeking to fill a Biological Monitoring Program Administrator position at our Riverside, California location. The Biological Monitoring Program is responsible for monitoring 146 Covered Species and associated habitats as outlined in the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The overall goals of the Biological Monitoring Program (BMP) are to collect data on the 146 Covered Species and associated vegetation communities over a 500,000-acre Conservation Area to assess the MSHCP’s effectiveness at meeting conservation objectives and to provide useful information to Reserve Managers in an adaptive management context. Visit the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) website at www.wrc-rca.org for links to MSHCP and Biological Monitoring Program documents, Covered Species, and reserves and reserve design.The Biological Monitoring Program Administrator for the BMP oversees and provides support for all staff including Biologist Supervisor, (1) Taxa Leads (4), Data Manager (1), GIS Analyst (1), Taxa Leads (4), and Field Biologists (7).   The position requires excellent writing, verbal communication, presentation, organizational, and adaptive management skills. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated supervisory experience and ability to manage teams, along with experience in preparing technical reports and proposals, managing budgets, and overseeing work scope items.

Key Responsibilities

The Biological Monitoring Program Administrator:

  • Coordinates with the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) on behalf of the BMP.
  • Coordinates with multiple federal, state, and local agencies to implement a long-term monitoring program to track distributions and population trends of 146 Covered Species and associated habitats in a 500,000-acre reserve area.
  • Develops annual work plans and manages an approximately $2.2M annual budget, including all personnel and project equipment needs.
  • Is responsible for all operations of the BMP to follow OSHA safety regulations and SAWA safety policies.
  • Develops, supports, inspires, and guides the talented BMP team.
  • Reviews and edits multiple survey and summary reports for the RCA on an annual basis.
  • Provides monthly and quarterly status reports to the RCA.
  • Identifies contract needs, writes scopes of work, manages contracts.
  • Facilitates monthly reserve management/monitoring coordination meetings.
  • Attends and presents information at monthly RCA team meetings, SAWA team meetings and other agency meetings.
  • Gives requested presentations to RCA Board and other agencies.
  • Coordinates with Wildlife Agencies (California Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) on survey methodology and monitoring activities.
  • Oversees annual distribution of BMP data and survey reports and works with the Data Manager to distribute other requested data as appropriate.
  • Provide support for Program staff in the development of survey protocols, training programs, and obtaining land access agreements.

Qualifications

  • Successful completion of a Master of Science or Ph.D. at an accredited college or university that included a major field of study in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, wildlife management, or other closely related fields.
  • Five years of experience with increasing supervisory responsibilities (e.g., managing staff, interviewing and hiring personnel, facilitating staff development).
  • Five years of experience using sampling and monitoring techniques for a wide variety of rare and sensitive species (including threatened and endangered species across plant, vertebrate, and invertebrate taxa).
  • Proven technical writing, editing and project management skills.
  • Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Professional Suite, Adobe Pro, and ArcGIS Pro

Desired Skills

  • Strong leadership and supervisory background and abilities. Ability to lead, direct and provide oversight of talented staff.
  • Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to communicate effectively, develop and maintain partnerships with agencies, landowners, and community members including people with a wide range of backgrounds and communication styles.
  • Self-directed, organized and detail oriented with the ability to prioritize and coordinate workload
  • Highest level of professionalism when communicating (written or verbal) with both external and internal customers.
  • Familiarity with both simple and complex data analyses using a variety of statistical programs (e.g., R, Distance, Mark, Presence) is preferred.
  • Knowledge of the flora and fauna of Southern California.
  • Ability to work long days, occasional evening and over-night shifts, and under harsh environmental conditions (e.g., rough, uneven terrain, seasonally harsh weather conditions) is preferred, although field work is not a significant component of this position.

Education

Master’s degree or Ph.D in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field.

Supervision

The Biological Monitoring Program Administrator is a full-time exempt position that works under the direct supervision of the Executive Director.

Other Conditions of Employment

This position is funded by the Regional Conservation Authority (www.wrc-rca.org) and employed by the Santa Ana Watershed Association (www.sawatershed.org). This is an exempt, permanent full-time position (40 hours/week).

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. Employment is contingent on passing a background check, physical exam & drug test. Must obtain a California driver’s license within 30 days of hire. Will be required to complete, and must be willing to use, Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

Salary and Benefits

This is an exempt position, starting salary is dependent on qualifications up to $130k annually. Benefits include an S-125 medical plan with a $700 monthly stipend, a 6% employer contribution retirement plan, and paid leave after a 6-month probationary period. Local remote work flexibility may be available.

Application Process

Applications are accepted until the position is filled.  The first application review will begin by August 18.  Start date may be negotiable.  Please submit a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and three professional references to:

Jennette El Morsy
Administrative Services Manager
Santa Ana Watershed Association
1835 Chicago Avenue, Suite C
Riverside, CA  92507
Office (951) 780-1012 Ext. 101
Fax (951) 780-5893
jennette@sawatershed.org 

Questions about the position may be directed to: Jennette El Morsy – jennette@sawatershed.org

16 July, 2025: Director, Santa Cruz Island Reserve

The UCSB Natural Reserve System is excited to announce the search for the Director of Santa Cruz Island Reserve! The Reserve Director is responsible for the leadership and day-to-day operations the Reserve/Field Station that serves over 1,000 individual researchers and students each year.

The Full Job Description and Online Application are found here (UCSB Job ID 79628). 

For primary consideration, please apply by end of day Monday August 4th, 2025.

16 July, 2025: Pacific Pocket Mouse Research Associate I, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Link to posting: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/sdzwa/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/21764

 

8 July, 2025: Field Biologist, ERM, Fresno / Tulare / Bakersfield

Position Title – Field Biologist

Location – Fresno/Tulare/Bakersfield with travel to Sierra National Forest

Description and qualifications- See below

Contact information –  Sydni Oliver – Talent Acquisition Advisor – Sydni.Oliver@erm.com

Closing date – 8.21.2025

Pay transparency – ($35.97/hr- $46.58/hr)

Additional information – Willingness to travel

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to conduct surveys and monitoring for large construction projects in Fresno/Tulare/Bakersfield, California. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project. The role of a field biologist requires technical skills, as well as strong organizational and communication skills. This is a full-time (40+ hours/week), limited-term role with a duration of 3 months, with the possibility of extension.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Field biologist position to conduct pre-construction surveys across the client’s project area.
  • Work locations are often remote and require biologists to work independently.
  • Electronic data collection.
  • Handheld and sub-meter accurate GPS data collection.
  • Daily reporting and survey report compilation.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.
  • Compliance with ERM’s rigorous safety program.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology or related discipline preferred.
  • A minimum of 2 years of Field Biology with experience in vegetation ecology, rare plant identification or botany is required.
  • Expertise with Fisher is a plus.
  • Experience with delineation, installation, or maintenance of wildlife exclusion fence, environmentally sensitive areas, no work buffers, or wildlife exclusion zones a plus.
  • Familiarity with nesting bird survey protocols and/or general bird identification skills is a plus.
  • Experience with San Joaquin Kit Fox (SJKF), California Tiger Salamander (CTS) or Swainson’s hawk (SWHA) a plus.
  • Ability to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions and on challenging terrain.
  • Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography).
  • Must have a strong attention to detail in the documentation of work.
  • Must have strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Desire to work in the field for an extended period and maintain a positive attitude.
  • Willingness and ability to travel with overnight stays possible.
  • Flexible availability: willingness to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed by the project.
  • Demonstrated independent and effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Driver’s License Required
  • Fluency in English and Spanish a plus.

8 July, 2025: Regulatory Biologist (Environmental), VESTRA Resources Inc., Redding, CA

Link to Post: https://vestra.applicantpro.com/jobs/3793267.html

 

2 July, 2025: East Bay Stewardship Network Coordinator, John Muir Land Trust, Martinez, CA
Link to Post: https://jmlt.org/about-us/employment/ebsn-coordinator/

Application Deadline: August 1, 2025

1 July, 2025: Wildlife Biologist, WRA Inc, SF Bay Area

Link to posting
We are looking for a Wildlife Biologist to join our team and tackle complex ecological challenges across California.

At WRA, you’ll play a key role in supporting a wide range of projects—from ecological restoration and open space management to water and wastewater infrastructure and climate resiliency initiatives. While our work spans the state, this role will primarily focus on projects in the San Francisco Bay and Estuary.

Your work will take you from the coastal salt marshes of the Bay and Pacific Coast, to the grasslands and vernal pools of the Central Valley, and into the Sierra Nevada mountains. As a mid-level professional, we’re looking for someone who is motivated, intellectually curious, and eager to learn from our team of experienced biologists. We are especially interested in candidates with experience working with special-status species and a passion for encountering some of the rarest wildlife in the continental United States—while continuing to grow both technically and as a project manager.

You will lead and conduct fieldwork, perform data analysis, and prepare technical reports to support regulatory compliance for restoration, development, and infrastructure efforts. The ideal candidate brings experience with field assessments, permitting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), as well as impacts and mitigation evaluations for CEQA and other regulatory approvals.

To be considered for this role, candidates must reside within approximately 45 minutes of our San Rafael, Emeryville, and Petaluma offices. This proximity ensures you can actively contribute to our collaborative team environment and be available for local field site visits as needed.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 – $110,000, which represents 2 job levels that WRA is open to considering for this role.

1 July, 2025: Wetland Ecologist, WRA Inc., SF Bay Area

Link to posting
We are looking for a mid-level Wetland Ecologist/Botanist to join our team and help clients navigate environmental permitting and compliance across Northern California.
At WRA, you’ll work alongside a close-knit group of biologists and regulatory specialists to support a wide variety of projects—from residential and commercial development to habitat restoration, mining, utilities, and open space planning. Our clients include land developers, attorneys, planners, agencies, and private landowners, and our work spans the greater Bay Area, Central Valley, and Sierra Nevada foothills.
 
This is a great opportunity for someone with hands-on experience conducting botanical surveys and wetland delineations who also enjoys the challenge of project management and working collaboratively in a team setting. You’ll play a key role in helping our clients achieve their goals while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
 
To be considered for this role, candidates must reside within approximately 45 minutes of one of our Northern California offices (San Rafael, Petaluma, or Emeryville). This position involves regular in-office collaboration and periodic field site visits, so we’re looking for someone who’s comfortable with a consistent commute and ready to be an active member of our team.
 
The salary range for this position is $85,000 – $110,000, which represents 2 job levels that WRA is open to considering for this role.

3 June, 2025:Forest Management Coordinator, National Wild Turkey Federation

Link to announcement: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3314171

 

4 May, 2025: Multiple Field Biologist Positions (On-Call/As-Needed), MIG Inc., SF Bay Area or Southern CA Area

Position Description

MIG, Inc. is an award-winning national firm specializing in planning, design, communications, management, science, and technology. We believe that the environment around us has a profound impact on our lives, and our shared vision is of a world where people, communities, and ecosystems thrive. For over 40 years, MIG has engaged the talents of top professionals who plan, design, and sustain communities that connect people to the environment and to each other. Our team members are passionate about their work and share a common desire to engage closely with our clients and the communities impacted by our work.

We are seeking experienced, versatile and motivated As-needed Field Biologists for on-call, project-based employment in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and southern California (Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties). This is a field-based, remote position requiring the ability to be local on assignments for extended periods but linked to a regional headquarters in San Jose. This position supports numerous natural resource projects that address all aspects of a project life cycle including pre-construction habitat assessments, wildlife and plant surveys, construction monitoring, and post-construction effectiveness monitoring. Projects are located in the human-built environment (e.g., housing, transportation, parks) as well as open space.

Experience and Qualifications for Success – What We’d Like to See

A successful candidate can manage time and competing priorities, think critically and creatively, work as part of a collaborative team, and maintain a sense of humor and camaraderie. In addition, there should be some combination of the following qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, or related natural resources field (an advanced degree is a plus but not required).
  • Relevant experience in environmental consulting, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
  • Field experience and professional skills associated with a specialty, such as jurisdictional waters/wetland delineations, botanical surveys, and/or regional special-status wildlife, plant species and sensitive natural communities.
  • Work experience that may include plant species identification using dichotomous keys; California wetland delineation; explaining state and federal regulatory permitting processes; aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species identification; habitat and impact assessment in California; construction monitoring/management; worker environmental awareness training, and other suitable work experience.
  • Reliable personal transportation and internet access to attend staff meetings at the office or other work locations. Although telecommuting is generally encouraged, we also value in-person meetings.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds of equipment or supplies (such as rodent traps, field gear, or other field equipment) across uneven terrain and install equipment above ground surfaces using a ladder.
  • Be professional and organized with exceptional attention to detail, including survey protocols and budgets.
  • Ability to safely conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain and difficult weather conditions as necessary.
  • Excellent verbal communication and analytical and technical writing skills, including the ability to convey technical information to internal and external teams in a clear, concise manner.
  • Capabilities with office and field applications including the Microsoft Office Suite and field-based data collection apps such as ESRI Field Maps, Survey 123, Avenza, or Gaia. Ability to work with various file formats (e.g., KMZ, shapefile, PDF) to navigate and collect data.
  • Ability to work well with others to complete complex tasks, often pitching in on interdisciplinary planning projects, and be adaptable to self-manage and work independently.
  • Compensation: On-call, as needed employees are not eligible for benefits; however, they do accrue sick leave. The pay range is $50–100/hour, commensurate with location, skills, and experience; eligible for qualified overtime pay with supervisor approval. The number of work hours per week may fluctuate widely depending on the season, project status, and staff availability.
  • Reimbursement: Monthly telecommunication reimbursement of $35 available only during a month where work was conducted. Mileage reimbursement for use of personal vehicle compensated at current GSA rate (2025 = 0.70/mile).

How to Apply

If you meet these requirements and are passionate about the environment and improving our communities, we’d love to hear from you! Please email your resume and cover letter with list of project types you’ve worked on to: careers@migcom.com  

MIG values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer; we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Our teams enjoy a flexible work schedule, a rewarding work environment, and a creative atmosphere that allows for professional development and career advancement opportunities while promoting team spirit and camaraderie. Please make no phone calls or email inquiries. These positions are open until they are filled.