On-Call Biologist – California

Tetra Tech; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Medical & 401(k) plan

Merit-based rewards

Work-life balance

Collaborative culture

Professional development

Job summary

Tetra Tech is seeking an On-Call Biologist to support environmental compliance, biological surveys, and technical reporting for renewable energy and infrastructure projects across California, with focus on the Central Valley and western Fresno County.

The ideal candidate will conduct environmental and biological monitoring during construction, pre-construction surveys, habitat assessments, and special-status species surveys, communicating findings to project teams and agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience conducting biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, or related natural resource work in California.
• Experience conducting biological field surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring on construction, infrastructure, energy, or similar projects.
• Familiarity with California environmental regulations including CESA, ESA, MBTA, and permit compliance.
• Familiarity with Central Valley flora and fauna and ability to work independently with strong communication skills.
• Proficiency with GPS units, mobile field data collection applications, and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Environmental compliance monitoring during construction activities for renewable energy and infrastructure projects throughout California, primarily in western Fresno County and the Central Valley.
• Pre-construction clearance surveys, nesting bird surveys, habitat assessments, and other biological surveys per permits and mitigation requirements.
• Assist with focused and protocol-level surveys for special-status plants and wildlife.
• Identify, document, and report observations of California flora and fauna, including special-status species.
• Monitor construction to ensure mitigation measures and permit requirements are followed, and recommend ways to minimize impacts.
• Collect, manage, and summarize field data using GPS units, mobile data collection platforms, maps, and other tools.
• Communicate with project managers, clients, construction personnel, agency representatives, and fellow biologists on compliance needs and observations.
• Assist with preparing biological technical reports and monitoring reports.
• Work independently in remote field locations with safety, professionalism, and high data quality.
• Travel regularly to project sites and work extended field days or weekends as needed.

Skills

Field data collection

Communication skills

GPS proficiency

MS Office

Independent work

Driving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Tools

GPS units

Mobile field data apps

Microsoft Office

Job description

Tetra Tech is adding dedicated and motivated On-Call Biologists to support environmental compliance, biological surveys, and technical reporting for renewable energy and infrastructure projects throughout California, with a primary focus on the Central Valley and western Fresno County.

This position is ideal for field biologists who enjoy working independently and collaboratively in dynamic project environments. Responsibilities include environmental compliance and biological monitoring during construction, pre-construction surveys, habitat assessments, special-status species surveys, and technical reporting.

The successful candidate will have experience with California wildlife and habitats, strong field data collection and communication skills, and a commitment to regulatory compliance.

Experience working with sensitive Central Valley species, including San Joaquin kit fox, burrowing owl, Swainson's hawk, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rat, is highly desirable.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

• Conduct environmental compliance monitoring and biological monitoring during construction activities for renewable energy and infrastructure projects throughout California, primarily in western Fresno County and the Central Valley.
• Perform pre-construction clearance surveys, nesting bird surveys, habitat assessments, and other biological surveys in accordance with project permits, mitigation measures, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct or assist with focused and protocol-level surveys for special-status plants and wildlife.
• Identify, document, and report observations of California flora and fauna, including special-status species and sensitive habitats.
• Monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with biological mitigation measures and permit requirements, and provide recommendations to avoid or minimize impacts to biological resources.
• Collect, manage, and summarize field data using GPS units, mobile data collection platforms, maps, and other field equipment.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, clients, construction personnel, agency representatives, and fellow biologists regarding environmental compliance requirements and field observations.
• Assist with preparing biological technical reports, compliance monitoring reports, survey reports, and related environmental documentation.
• Work independently in remote field locations while maintaining a high level of safety, professionalism, and data quality.
• Travel regularly to project sites throughout California and periodically work extended field days, weekends, or consecutive days in the field as project needs require.
• Conduct activities in accordance with internal procedures, applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Maintain current professional and technical knowledge through continuous professional development.
• Work safely at all times and report health and safety incidents and concerns in accordance with company procedures.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience conducting biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, or related natural resource work in California.
• Experience conducting biological field surveys and/or environmental compliance monitoring on construction, infrastructure, energy, or similar projects.
• Familiarity with applicable state and federal environmental regulations, including the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and environmental permit compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with California flora and fauna, particularly within the Central Valley.
• Demonstrated experience conducting pre-construction surveys, nesting bird surveys, habitat assessments, and biological monitoring.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and project teams.
• Proficiency with GPS units, mobile field data collection applications, and Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to work independently, make sound field decisions, and adapt to changing project conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work in rugged terrain and varying weather conditions, including prolonged walking and standing.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 or more years of relevant professional experience conducting biological surveys, environmental compliance monitoring, or related natural resource work, preferably in California.
• Experience working with sensitive Central Valley wildlife species, including San Joaquin kit fox, burrowing owl, Swainson's hawk, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rat.
• Experience conducting botanical surveys and wetland delineations.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This is an on-call, field-based position supporting renewable energy and infrastructure projects throughout California, with a primary focus on western Fresno County and the Central Valley.

The position requires:

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and outdoor work.
• Working in variable weather conditions, including occasional extreme heat and cold.
• Occasional lifting.
• Working in environments with frequent noise exposure.
• Regular travel to project sites.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, or consecutive field days based on project needs.

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Medical benefits, workers compensation insurance, and 401(k) plan.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience

Pay Range: $25.00–$60.00 per hour

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science ® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.