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Rincon Consultants · 13 hours ago

As-Needed Desert Tortoise Biologists (Mojave & Eastern Sierras Regions)

Victorville, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$40/hr - $55/hr

3+ years exp

Rincon Consultants is a California-based environmental consulting firm with over 30 years of experience. They are seeking As-Needed/On-Call Desert Tortoise Designated Biologists to provide field-based compliance monitoring and survey support for projects across the California desert and Eastern Sierra regions.

Environmental ConsultingEnvironmental EngineeringLocation Based ServicesMapping ServicesSustainability

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Serve as a Desert Tortoise Designated Biologist or desert tortoise biological monitor on active construction projects, providing compliance oversight in accordance with USFWS and CDFW permit conditions

Conduct pre-construction clearance surveys, worker environmental awareness briefings, construction monitoring, and compliance inspections for desert tortoise and other covered species

Perform site assessments, biological surveys, and habitat evaluations for common and special-status wildlife and plant species in desert and Eastern Sierra environments

Track and document compliance with avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures; maintain accurate field notes, monitoring logs, and daily reports

Prepare pre-construction survey reports, compliance monitoring reports, and other technical documentation required by permits and approvals

Coordinate closely with construction crews, environmental compliance teams, and project managers to resolve biological constraints and maintain regulatory compliance

Provide field-based guidance to contractors and project teams to ensure adherence to permit requirements and biological protection measures

Lead or support surveys and monitoring for desert tortoise, including work in occupied habitat, exclusion fencing oversight, and compliance documentation

Conduct surveys and monitoring for other special-status wildlife species as project needs require, which may include: Flat-tailed horned lizard, Fringe-toed lizard, Burrowing owl, Golden eagle, Bi-State sage-grouse, Mohave ground squirrel, Desert kit fox, Bighorn sheep

Oversee biological compliance on complex or large-scale projects

Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior staff and biological monitors

Serve as a subject matter expert for desert tortoise compliance, supporting permitting, agency coordination, and project planning efforts

Qualification

Desert Tortoise Designated BiologistBiological fieldwork experienceMojaveEastern Sierra ecosystemsEnvironmental laws familiarityTechnical writing experienceCommunication skillsIndependent work capabilityCollaboration skills

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field

Current or prior approval through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as a Desert Tortoise Designated Biologist is strongly preferred and will be prioritized

3–5+ years of biological fieldwork experience

Expertise in Mojave and Eastern Sierra ecosystems, including experience with desert tortoise compliance monitoring, habitat assessments, vegetation monitoring, and species-specific surveys

Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws, including Endangered Species Acts (ESA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and (Clean Water Act) 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

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 challenging terrain and variable weather conditions while carrying up to 25 lbs of equipment

Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours (10–12+ hour days) as project needs require

Strong capability to work independently in the field while maintaining effective coordination with project teams

Experience working both collaboratively and independently, demonstrating sound judgment and self-direction

Preferred

Prior approval through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for species listed above, in addition to desert tortoise

Wetland delineation and regulatory permitting experience

Prior experience as a field lead