Wildlife Assistant Biologist I​/II

Overview

Wildlife Assistant Biologist I/II – Valley Water

Salary: See Position Description

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 01957-E

Location: CA, CA

Department: Watersheds Stewardship and Planning

Closing: 2/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description: Assistant Biologist I: $ - $ annually
Assistant Biologist II: $ - $ annually

Join a team dedicated to protecting and stewarding natural resources while supporting critical water infrastructure projects across Santa Clara County. The Assistant Biologist I/II is an entry-level field position within Valley Water's Watershed Planning and Stewardship Division, Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Unit. This role primarily supports wildlife biology efforts, though experience in any biological discipline is valued. The Assistant Biologist will conduct ecological field data collection and environmental compliance in support of a wide range of projects and programs managed or supported by the Unit.

The Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Unit provides ecological and biological expertise across Valley Water's activities to support effective natural resource management, environmental stewardship, and compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The Unit's responsibilities include managing long-term mitigation monitoring programs; implementing ecology-focused stewardship projects under the Safe, Clean Water Program; overseeing land management and easement monitoring for mitigation lands; administering the plant pathogen program;

providing biological subject matter expertise for more than 30 capital projects and long-range planning efforts; and managing the Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort (FAHCE). The Unit specializes in special-status species, jurisdictional habitats, impact and habitat function assessments, avoidance and minimization measures, mitigation design and monitoring, and environmental permitting.

In this role, the Assistant Biologist I/II will perform essential field and support duties that ensure continuous and comprehensive biological support for Valley Water projects and programs. This includes permit compliance activities and mitigation and monitoring efforts.

We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San Jose, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

• Conduct wildlife and mitigation lands management survey and monitoring field activities including nesting bird surveys, special-status species surveys, amphibian and reptile sampling and surveys, conservation easement monitoring, long-term management plan implementation, on-site biological compliance monitoring, impact evaluations, and habitat assessments.
• Assist with fisheries monitoring activities including aquatic sampling surveys, electrofishing, fish trapping, habitat typing, eDNA, flow profiles, PIT tracking, spawning surveys, and general site assessments.
• Assist with vegetation field work including vegetation mapping, rare plant surveys, and mitigation site monitoring.
• Provide technical biological expertise to support planning, design, and construction phases for a variety of projects to minimize impacts on biological resources.
• Data entry, management, and analysis, database upkeep, scientific permit administration, GIS tasks, report preparation.
• Experience working with the local flora and fauna of Santa Clara County.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes: Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Assistant Biologist I: One (1) year of experience performing professional-level responsibilities as a biologist involving a significant amount of field work.

Assistant Biologist II: Three (3) years of experience performing professional-level responsibilities as a biologist involving a significant amount of field work.

Substitution: Master’s degree in biology, ecology, zoology, or a related discipline in a life sciences field from an accredited college or…