EcoSystems West Consulting Group
On‑Call Wildlife Biologist - Construction Monitor / Biological Monitor
EcoSystems West Consulting Group, Santa Cruz, California, us, 95061
Overview
On‑Call Wildlife Biologist - Construction Monitor / Biological Monitor EcoSystems West Consulting Group is a Santa Cruz–based ecological and environmental consulting firm with expertise in natural resource inventory, assessment, and management across California since 1996. We support municipal, state, and private clients—including cities, counties, and conservation organizations—offering science-based solutions through habitat assessments, special-status species surveys, CEQA/NEPA analysis, permitting, and construction compliance monitoring. EcoSystems West is a small local company that provides needs-based solutions to our clients based on sound biological principles and extensive knowledge of regional biological resources. We have a reputation for regulatory expertise, excellent documentation, and collaborative project delivery with agencies and stakeholders.
Job Description
Perform biological monitoring and compliance oversight during construction activities.
Conduct pre-construction nesting bird surveys during the breeding bird season, identifying nesting activities by sight and sound, and monitoring active nests in accordance with species-specific buffer requirements and permit conditions (e.g., per MBTA and Fish and Game Code guidances).
Survey and monitor for special-status species including: Crotch’s bumble bee, Smith’s blue butterfly, monarch butterfly, steelhead, coho, tidewater goby, California giant salamander, Santa Cruz black salamander, California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, western pond turtle, northern legless lizard, coast horned lizard, marbled murrelet, tricolored blackbird, burrowing owl, native nesting birds, San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat, roosting bats, depending on project location and seasonality.
Assist with installation and/or maintenance of exclusion fencing, signage, and buffer zones to protect sensitive areas.
Provide environmental trainings to contractors and field crews.
Submit daily monitoring reports, with field notes, geotagged photos, and spatial documentation (as needed).
Use Google Earth, ArcGIS Field Maps, or Survey123 to collect spatial data and support compliance documentation.
Communicate proactively with contractors, project managers, and senior staff to address field observations or compliance concerns.
Qualifications
BA/BS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
At least 2 years of professional experience in biological field work in California.
Ability to identify California nesting bird species by sight and sound, and to recognize nesting behavior to support buffer establishment and compliance monitoring.
Experience working in rugged terrain and outdoor conditions, often for extended hours.
Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills for field reporting and interaction with crews or scientists.
Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Preferred Experience
Prior experience conducting nesting bird buffer monitoring or exclusion zone implementation.
Familiarity with special-status wildlife species and California ecosystems.
Understanding of relevant environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
Proficiency using Google Earth, Survey123, or ArcGIS Field Maps for field data collection and mapping.
Work Conditions & Compensation
Hourly Pay: $30–45/hour, depending on experience.
Scheduling: On‑call, project-based; flexibility required, variable hours.
Travel: Mileage reimbursed at the standard federal rate, calculated from the local office to the job site, for project areas located more than 30 minutes from our Santa Cruz office.
Coverage Area: Primarily central and coastal California (e.g., Santa Cruz, Monterey, Bay Area).
Training & Gear: PPE and project-specific training provided.
How to Apply Send a resume and brief cover letter to: info@ecosystemswest.com
Please include your general availability, geographic region, and any field-related permits or qualifications.
Other
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Part-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
#J-18808-Ljbffr
On‑Call Wildlife Biologist - Construction Monitor / Biological Monitor EcoSystems West Consulting Group is a Santa Cruz–based ecological and environmental consulting firm with expertise in natural resource inventory, assessment, and management across California since 1996. We support municipal, state, and private clients—including cities, counties, and conservation organizations—offering science-based solutions through habitat assessments, special-status species surveys, CEQA/NEPA analysis, permitting, and construction compliance monitoring. EcoSystems West is a small local company that provides needs-based solutions to our clients based on sound biological principles and extensive knowledge of regional biological resources. We have a reputation for regulatory expertise, excellent documentation, and collaborative project delivery with agencies and stakeholders.
Job Description
Perform biological monitoring and compliance oversight during construction activities.
Conduct pre-construction nesting bird surveys during the breeding bird season, identifying nesting activities by sight and sound, and monitoring active nests in accordance with species-specific buffer requirements and permit conditions (e.g., per MBTA and Fish and Game Code guidances).
Survey and monitor for special-status species including: Crotch’s bumble bee, Smith’s blue butterfly, monarch butterfly, steelhead, coho, tidewater goby, California giant salamander, Santa Cruz black salamander, California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, western pond turtle, northern legless lizard, coast horned lizard, marbled murrelet, tricolored blackbird, burrowing owl, native nesting birds, San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat, roosting bats, depending on project location and seasonality.
Assist with installation and/or maintenance of exclusion fencing, signage, and buffer zones to protect sensitive areas.
Provide environmental trainings to contractors and field crews.
Submit daily monitoring reports, with field notes, geotagged photos, and spatial documentation (as needed).
Use Google Earth, ArcGIS Field Maps, or Survey123 to collect spatial data and support compliance documentation.
Communicate proactively with contractors, project managers, and senior staff to address field observations or compliance concerns.
Qualifications
BA/BS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
At least 2 years of professional experience in biological field work in California.
Ability to identify California nesting bird species by sight and sound, and to recognize nesting behavior to support buffer establishment and compliance monitoring.
Experience working in rugged terrain and outdoor conditions, often for extended hours.
Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills for field reporting and interaction with crews or scientists.
Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Preferred Experience
Prior experience conducting nesting bird buffer monitoring or exclusion zone implementation.
Familiarity with special-status wildlife species and California ecosystems.
Understanding of relevant environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
Proficiency using Google Earth, Survey123, or ArcGIS Field Maps for field data collection and mapping.
Work Conditions & Compensation
Hourly Pay: $30–45/hour, depending on experience.
Scheduling: On‑call, project-based; flexibility required, variable hours.
Travel: Mileage reimbursed at the standard federal rate, calculated from the local office to the job site, for project areas located more than 30 minutes from our Santa Cruz office.
Coverage Area: Primarily central and coastal California (e.g., Santa Cruz, Monterey, Bay Area).
Training & Gear: PPE and project-specific training provided.
How to Apply Send a resume and brief cover letter to: info@ecosystemswest.com
Please include your general availability, geographic region, and any field-related permits or qualifications.
Other
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Part-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
#J-18808-Ljbffr