Wildlife Field Biologist (Victorville / High Desert)

We’re Hiring: Field Biologist (Victorville / High Desert)
MountainView Biological Consulting| Victorville, CA (Field-Based) | [Full-time / On-call] | $60k - 80k
MountainView Biological Consulting is seeking a motivated Field Biologist to join our growing environmental consulting team. This field-based position supports projects throughout Victorville and the surrounding High Desert, including Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, and the Mojave River corridor.
This role is ideal for an early-career biologist with 2–4 years of field experience who wants to build expertise in Mojave Desert species and habitats, gain hands-on experience under permitted and designated biologists, and grow toward their own agency approvals.
What You’ll Do
Conduct general biological surveys, habitat assessments, and vegetation mapping in desert and riparian habitats
Perform desert tortoise clearance surveys and construction monitoring under the direction of designated biologists
Conduct western burrowing owl habitat assessments and protocol surveys
Assist with Mohave ground squirrel habitat assessments
Conduct Joshua tree surveys, counts, and documentation
Perform nesting bird surveys and pre-construction clearance surveys
Assist permitted biologists with protocol surveys for listed riparian birds along the Mojave River
Deliver Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training to construction crews
Monitor exclusion fencing installation and document compliance with USFWS and CDFW permit conditions
Collect and quality-check field data and assist with preparing biological resource assessments, survey reports, and compliance documentation
Habitats and Species You May Work With
Mojave Desert Scrub and Joshua Tree Habitat
Desert tortoise
Mohave ground squirrel
Western burrowing owl
Loggerhead shrike
Desert kit fox
Joshua tree
Mojave River Riparian (Cottonwood-Willow and Riparian Scrub)
Least Bell’s vireo
Southwestern willow flycatcher
Western yellow-billed cuckoo
Arroyo toad
Southwestern pond turtle
Mojave River vole
What You Bring
2–4 years of biological field experience, preferably in environmental consulting
Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related field
Field experience in Mojave Desert habitats
Strong native bird identification skills by sight and sound
Familiarity with FESA, CESA, CEQA, and the California Fish and Game Code
Experience with field data apps such as ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, or Avenza
Clear technical writing and field note documentation skills
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications
Desert tortoise monitoring or handling experience
Burrowing owl protocol survey experience
Experience in riparian habitats with listed bird species
Familiarity with current western Joshua tree protections
Approval by USFWS and/or CDFW as a Desert Tortoise Designated Biologist or Monitor, or progress toward a USFWS 10(a)(1)(A) Recovery Permit or CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit
Work Environment
Field-based work in desert conditions, including extreme summer heat, cold winter mornings, wind, and rough terrain
Ability to carry up to 25 pounds of field equipment across uneven terrain
Travel to project sites throughout the High Desert and neighboring areas
Compensation: 60k - 80k, based on qualifications and experience.
If you or someone in your network is an early-career biologist who wants to work with some of California’s most unique desert species, we’d love to hear from you.
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Work arrangement
Yes