Spotted Owl Biologist/Wildlife Biologist

The Spotted Owl Biologist/Wildlife Biologist position at Redwood Forest Foundation Inc. involves conducting Northern Spotted Owl surveys and other wildlife monitoring in rugged terrain in Mendocino and Sonoma counties, California. Duties include nocturnal surveys, data collection, and working independently in remote areas. Candidates should have a degree in a related field and at least two years of field experience. The job requires physical fitness and adaptability to varying work conditions.
• December 21, 2024

Employer: Redwood Forest Foundation Inc. (RFFI) Location: Fort Bragg, CA Country: United States Last Date to Apply: No value Open Until Filled: Yes

Position Overview

This position provides an opportunity to work for one of the nation’s unique non-profit forest conservation organizations in the beautiful coastal ranges of Mendocino and Sonoma counties. RFFI’s Usal property is located in the northwestern corner of Mendocino county between the lost coast and the Eel river. This position will require conducting Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) surveys from March 1st through August 31st. Surveys will be conducted on the Usal property in addition to other properties throughout the redwood forests of the coastal ranges of northwestern California. Surveys for other wildlife species will also occur during this time frame, including but not limited to; Marbled Murrelets, Osprey, Fisher, Songbirds etc…

Duties include conducting nocturnal surveys for NSO’s using digital wildlife callers, assisting head biologist with capturing and banding NSO, conducting NSO reproductive status monitoring surveys and observing and recording color-band information of NSO’s often alone in remote locations without access to communications infrastructure (cell phones, radios and CB’s), taking detailed notes, filling out data forms, entering survey data into various database programs on computers or field devices. Work duties will require hiking over steep and rugged terrain, orienteering with map, compass and GPS units, working independently while following detailed instructions, prioritizing work loads with varying and changing field conditions. Successful applicants will have experience conducting NSO surveys, working alone in remote areas often without contact to fellow employees, operating and maintaining 4×4 vehicles and ATV’s at night on rugged unimproved dirt roads in addition to operating chainsaws and a variety of other field equipment. Successful applicants will also have good computer skills, able to work in harsh weather conditions; be physically fit and able to meet the rigorous demands of field work in steep, rugged terrain, able to adapt to a flexible day/night and nighttime work schedule, willing to work overtime, weekends and/or holidays. The applicant must have excellent communication skills (written and oral); able to accurately collect and record field data; and be able to work cooperatively with others, and also capable of working independently with little daily supervision.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Forestry or an equivalent degree preferred but not required with adequate experience.

A minimum of two years field experience is required; candidates with prior experience with spotted owl surveys and/or other nighttime surveys will be given preference.

Must be able to identify spotted owls and all other California owls by sight and/or sound, including the ability to differentiate between spotted owls and barred owls.

Experience with understanding of navigational techniques including topographic maps, compass, and PLSS systems is required in addition to experience with various GPS units and apps.

Adhering to RFFI safety protocols and conducting duties while being safety conscious.

A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

The ability to work independently, have a sense of humor, problem solving abilities, hiking over rugged and steep terrain.

Physical Requirements

Be physically fit and able to meet the rigorous demands of field work in steep, rugged terrain

Able to adapt to a flexible day/night and nighttime work schedule, especially when bad weather precludes survey work, and willing to work overtime, weekends and/or holidays

The ability to hear and see and differentiate between nocturnal species during NSO surveys

The ability to determine color-band combinations on NSO

The ability to operate 4×4 vehicles and ATV’s on unimproved or poorly maintained roads, sometimes removing various road obstructions at night.

Comfortable with encountering various wildlife species including; Mountain Lion, Bear, Feral Hogs etc…

Application Process

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and at least 3 references in a single file to: strix@rffi.org Job applicants must be able to report for work February 3, 2025.

For additional information on RFFI, please visit www.rffi.org (the website is being improved and updated – bear with us!)