Lead Field Biologists (Full-time, Temp)

About Us
We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ 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 certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences. 

About The Role

We are seeking Lead Field Biologists/Crew Leads to provide construction compliance monitoring support for a Fresno-based solar project. This role is intended for experienced field biologists with strong construction monitoring backgrounds who can supervise small field crews, coordinate directly with contractors, and support complex compliance efforts in active construction environments.

This is a full-time, temporary position supporting the project through completion (anticipated late 2027 to early 2028).

What You'll Do
Responsibilities will  vary based on experience level, regulatory approvals, and area of expertise, but may include:

• Lead and supervise small biological monitoring field crews during active construction activities.
• Conduct site assessments, surveys, and habitat evaluations for common and special-status plant and wildlife species, primary special-status species include burrowing owl and Swainson's hawk. 
• Perform biological monitoring and provide compliance support during construction activities; prepare 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. 

 

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• 4+ years of biological fieldwork, including construction compliance monitoring and field leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or leading small field crews in active construction environments.
• Strong experience communicating directly with contractors, construction personnel, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Expertise in Central Valley ecosystems and experience with habitat assessments, compliance monitoring, and species-specific surveys.
• Demonstrated experience monitoring special-status species in occupied habitat and supporting regulatory compliance requirements.
• 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.
• 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 or Species Specific Monitor for burrowing owl of Swainson's hawk.
• Experience implementing Incidental Take Permits (ITP) mitigation measures.

Schedule & Availability

• Availability to work extended hours (10–12+ hour days), three to   four consecutive days per week (in a Monday–Friday workweek), for a minimum of three months or through project completion (anticipated late 2027 to early 2028).

Compensation
The hourly rate for this as-needed position ranges from $38.00–$55.00 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. 

Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our  Culture and Benefits page . 

 

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.