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.)

• 19 August, 2025: Wildlife Ecologist III, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
• 10 August, 2025: Delta Independent Science Board Postdoctoral Scholar
• 10 August, 2025: Field Biologist Positions (On-Call/As-Needed), MIG, Inc., Southern California (Riverside-Inland Empire)
• 29 July, 2025: Biological Monitoring Program Administrator, Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan
• 8 July, 2025: Regulatory Biologist (Environmental), VESTRA Resources Inc., Redding, CA
• 1 July, 2025: Wildlife Biologist, WRA Inc., SF Bay Area
• 1 July, 2025: Wetland Ecologist, WRA Inc., SF Bay Area
• 3 June, 2025: Forest Management Coordinator, National Wild Turkey Federation

19 August, 2025: Wildlife Ecologist III, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

(classification title: Resource Management Specialist III) Annual Pay Range: $123,202-$153,840
Plus full benefits including CalPERS pension
Anticipated salary increase in September 2025, pending board approval

Link to job description

Application Deadline: Monday, September 1, 2025

Do you have a passion for protecting and preserving open space? Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is seeking a skilled and motivated Wildlife Ecologist III to join our team of resource management professionals working to protect and restore the natural environment within Midpen’s land in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Francisco Peninsula. While there is regular field work, the ideal candidate will also bring strong communication, project management, and collaboration skills to the position.

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with more than 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact. If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position!

The incumbent will be a part of a cohesive team of 15 in the Natural Resources Department, which is comprised of three Programs: Wildlife, Vegetation, and Earth Sciences. The Wildlife Program has five full-time program staff, including this position, and a seasonal intern. The Wildlife Program covers a broad range of topics including but not limited to: permit administration, wildlife conflict management, special status species monitoring and research. The Natural Resources Department is part of the Visitor and Field Services service line. For additional information about the position, see the Job Description on Midpen’s website.

About the Position: The Wildlife Ecologist III will co-lead Midpen’s natural resource permitting program for capital and routine maintenance with their counterpart in the Earth Sciences Program. This position is responsible for negotiating, administering and overseeing compliance with regulatory permits; reviewing documents and other work products prepared by consultants or District staff as needed to satisfy permit application or reporting requirements; obtaining wildlife (Endangered Species Act) permits and overseeing permit compliance for capital projects and routine maintenance; generating reports for submittal to regulatory agencies; and coordinating with regulatory agency staff on permitting and compliance. General responsibilities of this position will also include managing consultants and contractors; managing wildlife habitat restoration or enhancement projects; writing detailed technical summaries and reports for District staff and the public; and conducting surveys in the field.

The Wildlife Ecologist III has broad technical experience in wildlife and habitat management, is self-directed, and works independently managing complex large-scale projects. The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in: negotiating and securing permits (ideally programmatic permits) from regulatory agencies primarily California Department of Fish and Wildlife and US Fish and Wildlife Service but may include US Army Corps of Engineers or Regional Water Quality Control Board; overseeing sensitive status species monitoring, reporting and recovery efforts; land stewardship and environmental planning; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; GIS software or online platforms; preparation of clear and concise reports; developing and maintaining records for regulatory agency permits; and managing consultants and contractors. Knowledge of CEQA is desired but not required.

The Ideal Candidate:
• Possesses a broad breadth of understanding of wildlife management for wide ranging taxa from large megafauna to micro invertebrates
• Experience in negotiating and securing permits (ideally programmatic permits) from regulatory agencies primarily California Department of Fish and Wildlife and US Fish and Wildlife Service but may include US Army Corps of Engineers or Regional Water Quality Control Board.
• Experience overseeing sensitive status species monitoring, reporting and recovery efforts
• Is a creative thinker, problem solver and able to juggle competing priorities
• Strong background in project management, from developing project scopes, schedules and budgets to consultant and contract oversight
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team to deliver capital projects, and public access projects, while avoiding or minimizing impacts to sensitive natural resources
• Assists staff in designing projects to reduce the need for mitigation, understands mitigation monitoring and reporting, and works creatively to secure mitigation when needed
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with partner agencies, environmental advocacy groups, scientists and researchers, as well as other staff, boards, volunteers, vendors and the general public
• Strong public speaking skills
• Report writing skills

A Few Reasons Why You May Love This Job
• Collaborative work that directly supports Midpen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment
• You’ll be part of a talented and dynamic team whose work contributes to providing nature’s benefits to everyone
• Excellent employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement pension through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

Work Environment: The Wildlife Ecologist III functions within a team environment with other Resource Management staff. The position is located in Midpen’s District’s Los Altos office, reporting to the Senior Resource Management Specialist. Work will occur in both office and field environments throughout the District’s Open Space Preserves, with travel from site to site. When conducting field assignments, work may include traversing rough, difficult terrain in inclement or hot weather with exposure to poison oak and other environmental risks. Following onboarding and successfully meeting job performance expectations. Midpen offers a hybrid office/telecommute and 9/80 schedule for this position.

Education & Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
• equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in watershed science/management, hydrology, water law policy, engineering, ecology, biology, earth sciences or other closely related subject, and
• three years increasingly responsible experience in the field of resource planning and management, including at least one year of supervisory and administrative responsibility. Requires excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• A master’s degree is desirable.
Licenses & Certifications Required: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Benefits: Midpen provides a competitive benefits package including health, life and disability insurance, CalPERS pension and paid leaves.

How to Apply: Apply online via CalOpps.org.
Application deadline is Monday, September 1, 2025. Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required:
1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application*
2. Cover letter
3. Resume
4. Supplemental question responses
*Incomplete CalOpps employment applications, or applications without the required application items listed here, will not be considered for the position.

Interview Schedule (we are unable to accommodate individual schedules):
First Interview (virtual): Thursday, September 18, 2025
Final Interview (in-person): Wednesday, September 24, 2025

A note to applicants who currently live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area: before committing to the application process, and if you haven’t done so already, we suggest evaluating the feasibility of relocation. We recommend researching the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost to relocate, and typical commute times to Los Altos from outlying areas.

At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Our public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. All people, regardless of background, deserve respect, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Midpen welcomes all people to enjoy the public open space preserves we hold in trust, supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of our region.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at 650-691-1200 Put your passion for Open Space to work!

10 August, 2025: Delta Independent Science Board Postdoctoral Scholar

The Delta Independent Science Board and California Sea Grant are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to support the Board’s ongoing activities. The postdoctoral scholar, employed by the University of California, San Diego, will work directly with the Delta ISB to achieve its goals and responsibilities of providing reviews of the science supporting adaptive management in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in California. The Board is currently conducting reviews on critical topics important to management, including contaminants monitoring, and decision-making under deep uncertainty.

The postdoctoral scholar will explore the science and syntheses conducted on the topics in the Delta and other regions and help identify and describe the latest scientific approaches and emerging issues.

Application review will begin on August 27, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

More information, including instructions on how to apply, can be found in the flyer linked below:

https://deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/isb/flyer/2025-07-22-isb-postdoctoral-recruitment-flyer.pdf

10 August, 2025: Field Biologist Positions (On-Call/As-Needed), MIG, Inc., Southern California (Riverside-Inland Empire)

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 Riverside County, California. 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, energy) as well as open space. Candidates with experience surveying special-status species covered under the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Coachella Habitat Conservation Plan are preferred. Individuals who possess aptitude for field work and project management skills will be considered for Full Time Employment, based on project needs.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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