Desert Tortoise Field Biologist & Compliance Specialist

rinconconsultants; Barstow (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Part time

Job summary

Rincon Consultants, a California-based environmental firm, seeks an As-Needed/On-Call Desert Tortoise Designated Biologist for field-based compliance monitoring across CA deserts and adjacent regions. Priority given to USFWS and CDFW approved candidates, with prior desert tortoise experience preferred.

Responsibilities include pre-construction surveys, monitoring, habitat assessments, and coordination with construction teams to ensure regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• 3-5+ years of biological fieldwork experience.
• Familiarity with ESA, CEQA, and CWA regulatory requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication for field reports and permits.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Desert Tortoise Designated Biologist on construction projects; ensure compliance with permit conditions.
• Conduct pre-construction clearance surveys, briefings, monitoring, and inspections for tortoise and other species.
• Perform site assessments, habitat evaluations, and surveys for desert wildlife and plants.
• Track compliance, maintain field notes, monitoring logs, and daily reports.
• Prepare survey and monitoring reports required by permits and approvals.
• Coordinate with crews and project managers to resolve biological constraints.
• Provide field guidance to contractors to adhere to permit requirements.
• Lead or support surveys and monitoring for desert tortoise, including habitat work and exclusion fencing.
• Conduct surveys for additional species (flat-tailed horned lizard, fringe-toed lizard, burrowing owl, golden eagle, Bi-State sage-grouse, Mohave ground squirrel, desert kit fox, bighorn sheep).
• Senior-level responsibilities include oversight on complex projects and mentoring junior staff.

Skills

Biological fieldwork

Communication skills

Independent fieldwork

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology or related field

Job description

Rincon Consultants, a California-based environmental firm, seeks an As-Needed/On-Call Desert Tortoise Designated Biologist for field-based compliance monitoring across CA deserts and adjacent regions. Priority given to USFWS and CDFW approved candidates, with prior desert tortoise experience preferred.

Responsibilities include pre-construction surveys, monitoring, habitat assessments, and coordination with construction teams to ensure regulatory compliance.