Desert Tortoise Biologist

About Us 
We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 600+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place To Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.

About The Role
We 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, as well as Southern Nevada and Northwestern Arizona.

Primary consideration will be given to candidates currently approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as Desert Tortoise Designated Biologists.

Candidates with prior desert tortoise monitoring experience who are not yet approved may be considered on a limited basis, but designated biologist status is strongly preferred and will determine project assignment priority and compensation.

What You’ll Do 

Responsibilities will vary based on experience level, regulatory approvals, and project needs
 

Core 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

Senior-Level Responsibilities --

• 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.

What You'll Bring

• 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.

Nice To Have

• 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. 

Compensation
The hourly rate for this as-needed position ranges from $40.00-$55.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. Saary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Additional Employment Information 
Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.


 

Rincon Consultants does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.