Seasonal Biologist

Description: Olofson Environmental, Inc. (OEI) is an environmental consulting firm located in Oakland, California. OEI manages the San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project (ISP), a coordinated regional effort between local, state, and federal organizations dedicated to preserving California’s extraordinary coastal biological resources through the elimination of non-native Spartina (cordgrass). ISP is seeking Spartina Treatment Monitors to assist with field monitoring of Spartina treatment activities as well as native marsh plant restoration plots. Work will begin July 14 and will continue through mid to late November. Position averages 30 to 40 hours/week. Hours will vary during the field season depending on tides, weather, and treatment schedule; some weeks may have little to no work and other weeks may require >40 hours. Work may start as early as 5 a.m. and end as late as 9 p.m. Occasional weekend work may be required.  

Responsibilities:  

Native and invasive salt marsh species identification, including Spartina species and their hybrids 

Tidal marsh ecology 

Mobile GIS software to map Spartina in the field 

Desktop-based ArcGIS to edit field-collected data 

Safe use and application of herbicide 

Using GPS units to relocate and record the treatment of invasive Spartina patches previously mapped by ISP biologists 

Leading contractor crews to invasive Spartina patches and monitoring herbicide application 

Mapping invasive Spartina  

Survivorship and photopoint monitoring of native marsh plant restoration plots 

Applying herbicide under direction of a licensed professional 

Qualifications: 

Required Qualifications:  

Coursework in ecology, conservation, habitat restoration, or a related field 

Some familiarity with plant identification, GPS, and/or computer-based mapping, and the ability to apply these skills independently after approximately two weeks of training 

Ability to work well independently and in a team setting 

Ability to follow project-specific field protocols and data entry/editing procedures 

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively 

Strong map-reading skills 

Desired Qualifications:  

Undergraduate degree in ecology, conservation, habitat restoration, or a related field 

Experience with construction project work, supervision, and/or biological monitoring 

Boating and trailering a boat  

Motor vehicle maintenance  

A familiarity with the San Francisco Bay area or the ability to quickly orient themselves to the site locations and driving conditions  

Learn more and apply here.