Field Biologist; On-Call

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore projects across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the southeastern United States.

ESA is seeking variable part‑time (on‑call) field biologists with 0‑5 years experience. Preference is given to candidates with 1+ year of professional experience. Qualified candidates must be located in the San Francisco Bay Area, vicinity of Sacramento, Sacramento‑San Joaquin River Delta, Central Valley, or within three hours’ commute. All qualified candidates must be willing and able to travel as needed. The need for on‑call services is expected to be greatest in late summer through fall, with periodic work throughout the year.

Additional work beyond this period may be requested.

• Previous experience performing natural resource‑related evaluations, technical studies, analyses, and tasks requiring knowledge based on education and at least two years of professional experience.
• Previous construction monitoring experience required.
• Ability to perform all aspects of biological monitoring on small to large, complex construction projects; night and/or weekend work may be assigned.
• General experience with wildlife and vegetation species in California Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.
• Experience in surveying and monitoring California nesting birds.
• Preference given to candidates with direct experience surveying, handling, and monitoring species such as San Joaquin kit fox, California tiger salamander, California red‑legged frog, northwestern pond turtle, San Francisco garter snake, giant garter snake, California black rail, western burrowing owl, western spadefoot, vernal pool brachiopods, Swainson’s hawk, Crotch’s bumble bee, and bats.
• Enjoy fieldwork, can walk long distances with a backpack, lift at least 50 pounds, and work safely in outdoor, remote, rural, or urban settings, including inclement weather. Some early morning, late night, weekend work, and long hours may be required.

• Perform biological compliance monitoring and reporting at active construction sites to ensure conformance with environmental/permit requirements.
• Conduct special‑status species surveys and nesting bird surveys.
• Identify and relocate sensitive species when needed and if agency‑approved.
• Communicate effectively with senior ESA staff, construction crews, project personnel, and project management staff.
• Take initiative and contribute to a respectful, feedback‑driven team culture.
• Maintain daily written monitoring and inspection logs, utilizing electronic data collection tools such as Fulcrum and Trello.
• Enter data into an online GIS mapping application (e.g., Fieldmaps, Collector, Survey 123).
• Deliver worker environmental awareness training to on‑site staff.
• Possess a valid driver’s license with own transportation to project sites.
• Have a smartphone with a sufficient data plan for on‑site data collection.
• Comply with all safety requirements and policies.
• Be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Work outside, potentially in remote or rural settings and in urban environments.
• Perform other ad‑hoc tasks as needed.

Our Biology Team includes biologists, restoration ecologists, permitting specialists, conservation biologists, and environmental scientists who provide expertise for many municipalities throughout California. Our work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens while conserving the state’s sensitive natural resources. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multidisciplinary engagement.

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close‑knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

$24.34 - $38.56 USD

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOEM/V/F/D)