As-Needed Field Biologists (Mojave & Eastern Sierras)

Rincon Consultants, Inc • Bishop, CA

100d • $40 - $65

About The Position

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 (5–10+ years) the chance to work on high-impact utility, infrastructure, and development projects across diverse desert and mountain landscapes. Senior-level applicants will have opportunities to lead field teams, oversee complex compliance efforts, mentor junior staff, and serve as subject matter experts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Wetland delineation and regulatory permitting experience.

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 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, and 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.

Benefits

• Base pay ranges from $40.00–$65.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
• Salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys.
• Pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment.
• Equal opportunity employer.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees