Field Biologist (Field Based)

ERM is hiring Experienced Nesting Bird/Avian Biologists to perform nesting bird surveys and monitoring in Northern California (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Oakland, East Bay, Fort Bragg, Arcata, and Eureka). Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a challenging and changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project.  The role of an Experienced Nesting Bird/Avian Biologist requires technical skills, as well as strong organizational and communication skills. This is a full-time (20 hrs/week), fixed-term role with a duration of 6 months.  Local candidates preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nesting bird surveys in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., MBTA, ESA, state wildlife codes).
• Identify avian species by sight and sound, with particular emphasis on nesting behavior and habitat use.
• Locate, monitor, and document active nests while minimizing disturbance.
• Establish and manage avoidance buffers and monitoring protocols for active nests.
• Provide real-time biological monitoring during construction or land-disturbing activities.
• Prepare detailed field notes, monitoring logs, and technical reports.
• Communicate findings and compliance requirements to project managers, construction crews, and regulatory agencies.
• Mentor junior biologists and technicians in survey methods, data collection, and ethical field practices.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regional avifauna and current regulatory guidance.
• Electronic data collection.
• Handheld and sub-meter accurate GPS data collection.
• Daily reporting and survey report compilation.
• Potential to help with office/desktop work as needed.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a related field
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience conducting nesting bird surveys and monitoring.
• Demonstrated proficiency in identifying bird species by visual and auditory cues.
• Extensive knowledge of nesting ecology, breeding seasons, and species-specific behaviors.
• Experience with special-status, threatened, or endangered bird species.
• Prior work in construction monitoring or environmental compliance.
• Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies.
• Familiarity with relevant wildlife protection laws and permitting requirements.
• 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 documentation of work.
• Must have strong organizational and communication skills.
• Desire to work in the field for extended period and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to hike long distances over uneven terrain.
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wind.
• Ability to carry field equipment for extended periods.
• Willingness and ability to travel with overnight stays possible.
• Demonstrated independent and effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
• A strong commitment to safety and safety procedures.
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. Based on review of these responses, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Thank you for your interest in ERM!

Pay Transparency:

For the Field Biologist position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $73,000 – $80,000, $35.10/hr- $38.46/hr, limited-term, non-exempt.  An employee’s pay position within this range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs.  We also may have instances where employee’s fall outside of the range based on the factors noted above.  This job may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/Flexforce employees are NOT bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life & disability insurance to benefits eligible* employees.

*Benefits Eligibility is limited to Regular employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week.  Fixed-Term employees (including Flexforce) who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours a week or more are eligible for a limited benefits package.  Casual employees are NOT benefits eligible. See your recruiter for more details.

You can apply for this role through https://www.erm.com/careers/apply/ or through the internal careers portal if you are a current employee.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, determinable, and payable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

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