Sweat, Tears, and Ticks: Working as a Field Biologist

A Day in the Life of a Field Biologist

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a field biologist, look no further! This post will offer you a glimpse into the exciting world of field biology, where no two days are ever the same. Fieldwork can range from spending months monitoring a specific species in one location, such as conducting construction monitoring for the short-joint beavertail cactus in the Angeles National Forest, to exploring a variety of habitats across multiple locations in just one week. It’s a job that’s both unpredictable and rewarding.

The Variety of Habitats You’ll Explore

Field biologists in Southern California can find themselves working across diverse ecosystems, from chaparral habitats like coastal sage scrub and desert chaparral, to oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian forests. One week you might be surveying the dense brush of the desert, and the next, you’ll be deep in a cool coniferous forest. Despite the change in scenery, certain things remain constant — namely, the hazards of the field.

Watch Out for the Wild (and Not So Wild)

When out in the field, you quickly learn to watch out for more than just the wildlife. You’ll want to be alert for ticks, rattlesnakes, territorial dogs, and even those seemingly harmless humans holding “No Trespassing” signs. But as any seasoned field biologist will tell you, these hazards are part of the territory.

Not your typical ticks.

While comparing stories, a fellow biologist told me about an experience working near a landing helicopter. It kicked up a plume of dust sprinkled with hitchhiking ticks that landed in her hair. Ticks on land are bad enough, but ticks flying through the air is a terrifying concept. Although they’re typically harmless, the most annoying pest a biologist may experience are flies! Flies are everywhere and seem to have a knack for annoying hard-working biologists, construction workers, and tree crews alike — they spare no one with their incessant face buzzing and constant attempts at tasting one’s lunch. The worst part is they don’t stop and they’re hard to hit, so it’s best to eventually accept their bothersome existence.

The Joys and Rewards of Fieldwork

However, once you get past those minor inconveniences, field work is a great experience. Every day is an opportunity to breathe in fresh air, enjoy nature, and hone one’s skills as a biologist. The moments we learn from are abundant when we take a look: plenty of chances to identify plants and wildlife, look for signs of sensitive species, interact with people from construction and tree felling crews to homeowners and coworkers. The best lesson learned from field biology is learning to be flexible!

What does it take to be a field biologist?

Thinking on your feet and being adaptable are hugely valuable skills a field biologist can gain, since field plans, like the weather, often change on short notice.  Sometimes the Prime (AKA the subcontractor) changes their mind on whether they need someone to cover a certain task, or construction decides to work at a different location, or one can’t access the electrical pole they need to survey.  Each challenge is an opportunity to find the best way forward, locate solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Why Field Biology is a Career Worth Considering

Working as a field biologist can be an incredible career choice. Over time, you develop an expertise in identifying different species and their habitats, and use this knowledge to conduct research and collect data that contribute to the larger scientific community. You also learn to interact effectively with people from all walks of life, from fellow scientists to local communities. Field biology is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to expand your horizons in ways you never thought possible. Just beware of the buzzing flies, the pesky ticks, and even the occasional flying tick!