As-Needed Field Biologists (Mojave & Eastern Sierras)_2025
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 (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.
Requirements
- 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.
- Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws, including ESA, CEQA, and CWA requirements, overseeing regulatory compliance, and implementing mitigation measures.
- 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
- 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.
- Demonstrated experience with the species listed above, including surveying and monitoring in occupied habitats and securing project approvals is highly desirable.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
