Jessica Burton
Riverside
Summary
Highly knowledgeable biologist with comprehensive understanding of conducting field surveys and collecting data. Strong skills in project management, data analysis, and report writing, with an ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Past roles demonstrate significant contribution towards conservation efforts by informing adaptive management. Known for integrity, adaptability, and a strong commitment to preserving biodiversity.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Biologist II
Onterris, USA
05.2025 - Current
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop project plans and timelines.
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies to secure necessary permits and approvals.
- Plan projects to ensure project compliance with federal and state environmental laws
- Oversee the quality control of project deliverables
- Adhere to timelines on a high-volume of projects
- Aid in producing programmatic materials to produce a uniform high-quality product
Biologist III
Santa Ana Watershed Association
01.2023 - 04.2025
- Manage, help to build, and train biologists on Microsoft Access Database
- Build survey forms and train biologists on data collection using Survey123 and Fieldmaps
- Continue to perform duties associated with the Biologist II position
Biologist II
Santa Ana Watershed Association
03.2019 - 12.2022
- Nest search, monitor, and survey for least Bell’s vireo under multiple contracts
- Train new biologists on nest searching, monitoring and data collection.
- Train and supervise daily brown-headed cowbird trapping as a part of a watershed-wide program.
- Project lead for nest monitoring a breeding colony of federally endangered California least terns.
- Data analysis and preparation of technical reports for multiple agencies, including CDFW, USFWS, and USACE.
Biologist
SWCA Environmental Consultants
05.2017 - 02.2021
- Performed pre-construction surveys for federally threatened and endangered species and nesting birds to ensure project compliance with environmental laws and regulations .
- Focii on Stephen's kangaroo rat and San Bernardino kangaroo rat
Field Biologist
Santa Ana Watershed Association
02.2016 - 03.2019
- Conducted monitoring surveys for Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan covered species to inform adaptive management.
- Collaborated with external agencies, including the USGS, CDFW, and local land management entities, to conduct surveys.
- Managed data collected during surveys.
- Focal species included golden eagle, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, loggerhead shrike, Stephen's kangaroo rat, San Bernardino kangaroo rat, long-tailed weasel, federally protected fairy shrimp species, southwestern pond turtle, San Diego banded gecko, and rare plants
Searcher Efficiency Trial (SET) Coordinator
Western Ecosystems Technology
03.2015 - 12.2015
- Monitored the impact of a solar power generating facility on avian and bat communities in accordance with the Avian and Bat Monitoring and Managing Plan.
- Coordinated with biologists from other consulting firms to conduct SET and analyze the resulting data.
Biologist I
Southern Nevada Environmental
08.2014 - 03.2015
- Engaged in compliance monitoring and pre-activity surveys with a focus on Agassiz’s desert tortoise.
Seasonal Avian Biologist
Institute for Wildlife Studies
03.2014 - 08.2014
- Conducted spot-mapping surveys to accurately assess population size, range and breeding activity for the recovering population of the federally endangered San Clemente Island subspecies of the Bell’s sparrow.
California Clapper Rail Technician
US Geological Survey
10.2013 - 04.2014
- Participated in studying multiple aspects of the ecology of the federally endangered California Ridgway’s rail, with the goal of improving California Ridgway’s rail management techniques and increasing populations.
Bird Bander
University of Illinois
08.2013 - 10.2013
- Conducted constant effort mist netting in Central Illinois for migratory birds in order to explore the relationship between bird migration and the spread of Lyme disease.
Seasonal Songbird Research Assistant
University of Illinois
04.2013 - 09.2013
- Used territory mapping, radio telemetry, nest searching, behavioral observations and blood sampling to better understand the purpose of frequent foray behavior in field sparrow.
Toucan Research Assistant
University of Louisiana Lafayette
10.2012 - 12.2012
- Collected behavioral and movement data on the collared Aracari and keel-billed toucan to examine seed dispersal.
- Participated in a songbird mist-netting project through the University of Catie.
Field Technician
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
07.2012 - 09.2012
- Translocated and processed the federally threatened Utah prairie dog in southwestern Utah.
- Assisted in bat surveys throughout the region.
Plant Ecology Technician
US Geological Survey
03.2012 - 06.2012
- Conducted plant surveys to determine the effectiveness of post-fire treatments on rehabilitating USFWS Critical Habitat for the federally threatened desert tortoise.
Education
M.S. - Biology
California State University, Long Beach
01-2024
B.S. - Biology
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL01-2011
Skills
- Project management
- Regulatory compliance
- Data analysis
- Quality control
- Survey design
- Database management
- Field data collection
- Technical reporting
- Team leadership
- Training development
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Data collection
- Ornithology
- Field research techniques
- Environmental compliance
- Plant identification
- Wildlife monitoring
- Herpetology
- Budget management
- Presenting at conferences
- Environmental assessment
- Research background
- Writing reports
- Statistical data analysis
- Development of Data Collection Materials
Publications
Celis-Murillo, A., Stodola, K.W., Pappadopoli, B., Burton, J.B., & Ward, M.P. (2016). Seasonal and Daily Patterns of Nocturnal Singing in the Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla). J.Ornithol,157: 853.
Volunteer Experience
- Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy (HBWC), light-footed Ridgway’s rail artificial rafts nest checks for Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, 03/01/20, 08/01/23
- HBWC, light-footed Ridgway’s rail call-count surveys, 03/01/16, 08/01/17
- MAPS banding, Moreno Valley College, banding, 09/01/16, Current
- USGS, Caspian and Forster's Tern nestling banding, 06/01/15, 08/01/15
Authorized Individual To Independently Nest Monitor
- Light-footed Ridgway’s rail, 150 hours nest searching and monitoring, 2020-2023
- Least Bell’s vireo, 6 seasons nest searching and monitoring, 2019-2024
- California least tern, 200 hours nest searching and monitoring, 2019-2023
- Coastal California gnatcatcher, 90 hours nest searching and monitoring, 2017
Presentations
- Facilitating Artificial Raft Use by the Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail (Rallus obsoletus levipes), The Wildlife Society Western Chapter Conference, 02/01/24
- Love Your Wetlands Day, UC Reserve System, 02/01/24
- Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Speaker Series, 07/01/24
Timeline
Project Biologist II
Onterris, USA
05.2025 - Current
Biologist III
Santa Ana Watershed Association
01.2023 - 04.2025
Biologist II
Santa Ana Watershed Association
03.2019 - 12.2022
Biologist
SWCA Environmental Consultants
05.2017 - 02.2021
Field Biologist
Santa Ana Watershed Association
02.2016 - 03.2019
Searcher Efficiency Trial (SET) Coordinator
Western Ecosystems Technology
03.2015 - 12.2015
Biologist I
Southern Nevada Environmental
08.2014 - 03.2015
Seasonal Avian Biologist
Institute for Wildlife Studies
03.2014 - 08.2014
California Clapper Rail Technician
US Geological Survey
10.2013 - 04.2014
Bird Bander
University of Illinois
08.2013 - 10.2013
Seasonal Songbird Research Assistant
University of Illinois
04.2013 - 09.2013
Toucan Research Assistant
University of Louisiana Lafayette
10.2012 - 12.2012
Field Technician
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
07.2012 - 09.2012
Plant Ecology Technician
US Geological Survey
03.2012 - 06.2012
M.S. - Biology
California State University, Long Beach
B.S. - Biology
Illinois Wesleyan University