As-Needed Wildlife Biologists (Central Valley Region) at Rincon Consultants, Inc – Fresno, California

About Us

We are a California-based environmental consulting firm with 500+ professionals and over 30 years of experience serving clients across the transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. We are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work, as reflected in the experiences our employees share on Glassdoor and the trust, connection, and sense of purpose felt across our company.

Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems. At Rincon, people come first. We value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can grow, contribute meaningfully, and do their best work.

About The Role

We are seeking Wildlife Biologists to provide as-needed support for projects throughout the Central Valley, from Sacramento to Bakersfield. This role offers experienced biologists (3–10+ years) with strong field expertise in Central Valley ecosystems the opportunity to contribute to high-impact utility, infrastructure, and development projects. Senior-level applicants will have opportunities to lead field teams, oversee complex compliance efforts, mentor junior staff, and serve as subject matter experts.

What You'll Do

Responsibilities will vary based on experience level, regulatory approvals, and area of expertise (biological or botanical).

Core Responsibilities -

• Conduct site assessments, surveys, and habitat evaluations for common and special-status plant and wildlife species.
• Perform biological monitoring and provide compliance support during construction activities; prepare compliance monitoring reports.
• 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.
  

Wildlife Biology-Focused Responsibilities -

• Survey, monitor, and assess habitats for special-status species, including but not limited to the following: *Most relevant
  • ​​​​*Burrowing Owl
  • *Swainson’s hawk
  • *San Joaquin kit fox
  • *Blunt-nosed leopard lizard
  • California tiger salamander
  • Giant garter snake
  • Valley elderberry longhorn beetle
  • Western spadefoot toad
  • Western pond turtle
  • Vernal pool invertebrates
  • Fresno kangaroo rat
  • Giant kangaroo rat
  • Nelson’s antelope ground squirrel
    

Botany-Focused Responsibilities -

• Identify plant species using a dichotomous key, with an emphasis on Bay Area and Northern Central Valley botany.
• Map vegetation communities using standard mapping practices and identify sensitive vegetation communities.
• Survey, monitor, and assess habitats for regionally occurring special-status plants in the Central Valley.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of biological fieldwork, including compliance monitoring.
• Experience implementing Incidental Take Permits (ITP) mitigation measures.
• Expertise in Central Valley ecosystems, including experience with compliance monitoring, habitat assessments, vegetation monitoring, and species-specific surveys.
• Demonstrated experience with the species listed above, including surveying and monitoring in occupied habitats and securing project approvals.
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws, including but not limited to federal and state Endangered Species Acts (ESA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as well as incidental take permits, Clean Water Act (CWA) permits, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, regulatory compliance oversight, and development/implementation of mitigation measures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing experience preparing field reports, monitoring logs, and preconstruction survey documentation.
• Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours (10-12+ hour days) as project needs require.
• Ability to hike 6–8 miles per day in challenging terrain and variable weather conditions while carrying up to 25lbs of equipment.

Nice To Have -

• Prior approval through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as Designated Biologist, Species Specific Monitor or General Biological Monitor for any of the above listed species.
• Wetland delineation and regulatory permitting experience.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this as-needed position ranges from $35.00–$65.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. Salary 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, Inc 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.