As-Needed Field Biologists (Mojave & Eastern Sierras)

Rincon Consultants; Bishop (CA); On-site; USD 44,083 - 89,544; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consulting firm is seeking Field Biologists to support projects in California's desert and Eastern Sierra regions. This role demands fieldwork experience and offers opportunities for senior applicants to lead teams and mentor junior staff. Responsibilities include conducting site assessments, biological monitoring, and preparing reports. Ideal candidates possess a degree in a relevant field and expertise in ecological knowledge and regulatory compliance. The position offers competitive hourly pay based on experience.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of biological fieldwork required.
• Expertise in Mojave and Eastern Sierra ecosystems.
• Prior approval as Designated Biologist or Species Specific Monitor is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site assessments and habitat evaluations.
• Perform biological monitoring during construction.
• Identify plant species and map vegetation communities.
• Prepare compliance monitoring reports.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Communication skills

Ecological knowledge

Technical writing

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

As-Needed Field Biologists (Mojave & Eastern Sierras)

Rincon Consultants is seeking Field Biologists and Botanists to provide as-needed support for projects spanning the California desert and Eastern Sierra regions, as well as Southern Nevada and Northwestern Arizona. This role offers experienced field biologists (2–5+ years) the chance to work on high-impact utility, infrastructure, and development projects across diverse desert and mountain landscapes.

We welcome candidates at all levels of experience and will adjust responsibilities, project complexity, and compensation accordingly. Senior-level applicants will have opportunities to lead field teams, oversee complex compliance efforts, mentor junior staff, and serve as subject matter experts.

Overview of Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct site assessments, surveys, and habitat evaluations for common and special-status plant and wildlife species and map associated vegetation communities.
• Perform biological monitoring and provide compliance support during construction activities, prepare compliance monitoring reports.
• Identify plant species using a dichotomous key, focusing on Mojave and Eastern Sierra botany.
• Map vegetation communities using standard mapping practices and identify sensitive vegetation communities.
• Survey, monitor, and assess habitats for special-status species, including but not limited to the following:
  • Desert tortoise
  • Flat-tailed horned lizard
  • Fringe-toed lizard
  • Burrowing owl
  • Golden eagle
  • Bi-State sage-grouse
  • Mohave ground squirrel
  • Desert kit fox
  • Bighorn sheep
  • Special-status plants in the Mojave and Colorado Desert regions
• Prepare preconstruction survey reports and other technical documentation.
• Track compliance with mitigation measures and permit conditions, maintaining accurate field reports and monitoring logs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide additional support to the Natural Resources Team as needed.
• Work independently or as a project or task lead.
• Wetland delineation and regulatory permitting experience is desirable.

This Job Might Be for You If You Have the Following

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• 2–5+ years of biological fieldwork required.
• Expertise in Mojave and Eastern Sierra ecosystems, including experience with compliance monitoring, habitat assessments, vegetation monitoring, and species-specific surveys.
• Prior approval through the USFWS or CDFW as Designated Biologist, Species Specific Monitor or General Biological Monitor for any of the above listed species is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws, including ESA, CEQA, and CWA requirements, overseeing regulatory compliance, and implementing mitigation measures.
• Demonstrated experience with the species listed above, including surveying and monitoring in occupied habitats and securing project approvals is highly desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing experience preparing field reports, monitoring logs, and preconstruction survey documentation.
• Ability to hike 6–8 miles per day in often difficult terrain and variable weather conditions while carrying 25 lbs.
• Ability to work 10–12+ hour days, as needed.

Rincon Consultants is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California and is recognized as a ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For’ by the Zweig Group. We partner with clients in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 500+ associates in 13 offices located in Northern, Central, and Southern California are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose.

The base pay for this as-needed position ranges from $32.00–$65.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research

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