Approved Mojave Desert Tortoise Health Assessment Biologist

Bristol Bay Native Corportation•Fort Irwin, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

SpecPro is seeking an experienced U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved Mojave Desert Tortoise Health Assessment Biologist to support the Desert Tortoise Translocation and Monitoring Program at Fort Irwin, California. The selected candidate will conduct pre-translocation health assessments, collect biological samples, document clinical findings, and translocation activities in accordance with applicable USFWS procedures, project-specific permits, approved translocation plans, and contract requirements.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of Mojave Desert Tortoise biology, ecology, anatomy, behavior, disease concerns, handling, and translocation protocols.
Demonstrated ability to independently conduct tortoise health assessments and collect biological samples.
Ability to recognize normal and abnormal clinical conditions.
Knowledge of biosecurity, sanitation, disease-risk reduction, and cross-contamination prevention.
Strong technical writing, communication, organization, and field coordination skills.
Ability to manage multiple animals, samples, records, and field priorities while maintaining data quality.
Proficiency with GPS units, tablets, Survey123, ArcGIS, electronic databases, and Microsoft Office.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary field team.
Ability to work extended or irregular hours and travel as required.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Current or documented previous USFWS approval to conduct Mojave Desert Tortoise health assessments.
Demonstrated experience independently conducting health assessments and collecting biological samples from Mojave Desert Tortoises.
Experience applying USFWS-approved handling, sanitation, biosecurity, and documentation procedures.
Experience coordinating with wildlife veterinarians, laboratories, regulatory agencies, or government clients.
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Veterinary Science, or a related field.
Minimum three years of professional wildlife biology experience, including substantial Mojave Desert Tortoise experience.

Nice To Haves

Current USFWS Recovery Permit or applicable authorization.
Experience supporting large-scale tortoise translocation, disease surveillance, or long-term monitoring programs.
Experience preparing health assessment summaries.
Experience working on Department of Defense installations or in Southern California desert ecosystems.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive Mojave Desert Tortoise health assessments in accordance with current USFWS procedures and project-specific authorizations.
Identify and document signs of upper respiratory tract disease, shell disease, trauma, dehydration, malnutrition, ocular or nasal discharge, oral lesions, and other abnormalities.
Safely capture, handle, restrain, process, and release Mojave Desert Tortoises while minimizing stress.
Collect biological samples as authorized, including blood, nasal lavage, oral or nasal swabs, cloacal swabs, fecal samples, or other diagnostic materials.
Properly label, preserve, store, package, and transfer samples in accordance with laboratory and chain-of-custody requirements.
Implement approved sanitation, disinfection, and biosecurity procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
Immediately report significant clinical findings, mortalities, injuries, disease concerns, or protocol deviations.
Coordinate with Program Managers and Field Leads.
Verify tortoise identification using transmitters, PIT tags, photographs, and project databases.
Collect and maintain accurate field data using GPS, tablets, Survey123, ArcGIS, spreadsheets, and approved databases.
Complete health assessment forms, sample logs, chain-of-custody records, laboratory submission forms, field notes, and daily production summaries.
Follow all applicable USFWS, CDFW, Army, Fort Irwin, safety, biological, and project-specific protocols.
Perform additional duties as assigned.