A Wildlife Biologist studies wild animals in their natural habitats. May specialize in a particular type of wild animal, such as bears, or focus on a particular habitat, such as ocean ecosystems. May study animal characteristics and interactions, or the evolution of animal species over time. May track wildlife populations, or focus on the impact of human interactions on wildlife habitats.
Field Biologist / Environmental Monitor (Entry-Level & Experienced)
Location:
Las Vegas, NV (with field travel throughout the Mojave Desert)
Job Type:
Full-Time, W-2 About SNEI SNEI, a 35-year-old Biological Consulting firm based out of Las Vegas, NV, is seeking to hire full-time qualified field biologists to become part of our team, working throughout the Mojave Desert (primarily in southern Nevada and southern California). What to Expect (Training & Duties) Upon hire and depending on the level of experience, applicants will attend a training program consisting of field and classroom learning. The applicant will then shadow an experienced biologist on project sites to gain hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of job site expectations.
Key duties include:
Construction Monitoring :
Being present on active construction sites (pipelines, electrical transmission lines, solar projects, etc.) to ensure heavy equipment crews remain in compliance with state and federal permits, keeping our clients compliant and ensuring desert tortoises and other protected species are not harmed.
Field Surveys:
Performing desert tortoise clearance surveys, fence integrity checks, avian nesting surveys, and sensitive plant, cacti/yucca, or weed surveys.
Agency Approvals:
Once ready to work independently, biologists will be assigned to specific project duties. SNEI actively facilitates the approval process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for projects requiring authorized wildlife biologist status. •
Experienced Applicants:
If you have prior experience working in desert tortoise habitat, performing construction monitoring, and/or conducting surveys, your training process and starting pay rate will be adjusted to reflect your experience. Extreme Working Conditions All SNEI biologists are expected to work the project's schedule. Our team often works overtime (over 40 hours per week) and occasionally on weekends.
Weather:
We work outside in all types of conditions. While the weather is sometimes perfect, we also experience extreme desert heat (up to 120°F), relentless sunshine, and freezing, rainy, or windy winter conditions.
Schedules:
Our team must complete field surveys on tight timelines and mirror active construction schedules. Because construction needs can shift rapidly, schedules are often last-minute and change frequently. Biologists must be highly flexible and adaptable.
Qualifications Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in a science-related field (biology, wildlife, environmental science, ecology, botany, etc.) OR equivalent hands-on experience performing surveys and construction monitoring in desert tortoise habitat.
Physical Demands:
Ability to stand and walk while monitoring heavy construction machinery for 10+ hours in a single day. Ability to walk 8+ miles per day over rough, uneven desert terrain in extreme heat and cold.
Location:
Applicant must live in, or have relocated to, the Las Vegas area by the start date.
Commute & Transportation:
Must have reliable personal transportation to commute to and from SNEI's Las Vegas office daily. A valid driver's license and a clean 3-year DMV driving record are required. Knowledge and the ability to drive 4WD vehicles over rough terrain is a major plus.
Soft Skills:
Must be self-motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented, possess a strong work ethic, and communicate effectively with construction crews, project managers, and fellow biologists.
Technology:
Experience with GPS and ArcGIS Field Maps / Survey123 is preferred, but not required.
Travel & Vehicles Field Transportation:
SNEI provides employees with a late-model 4x4 work truck to travel between the SNEI office (or hotel) and the active project sites.
Travel Accommodations:
SNEI provides hotel accommodations, per diem, and travel bonuses when working on projects outside the general Las Vegas area where overnight stays are required. Compensation & Benefits W-2
Position:
Paid bi-weekly.
Starting Salary:
Starting at $20.00 per hour with little or no relevant field experience. Pay rate is highly flexible and negotiable for experienced desert tortoise biologists. Paid Commute to
Field:
Employees are fully paid for travel time between the SNEI office and the job sites. Travel compensation : Travel bonus and per diem provided when required to stay in a hotel.
Benefits Package:
Available to permanent, full-time employees after a standard probationary period. Includes health insurance, 401(k) plan with employer matching, Paid Time Off (PTO), and paid holidays. To Apply Please submit a brief cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.
Work Remotely:
No (This is an active, hands-on field position).
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Ability to
