Swainson’s Hawk Designated Biologist

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 Great Place To Work® (https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7038363) certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.

About The Role

We are seeking qualified Swainson’s Hawk Designated Biologists to provide construction compliance monitoring support for a Fresno-based renewable energy project. This role is intended for experienced avian biologists with demonstrated expertise conducting Swainson’s hawk surveys, nesting monitoring, and construction compliance support in active project environments.

Positions may be hired as either:

• Full-time temporary staff supporting projects through completion, or

• As-needed/on-call staff supporting seasonal survey and monitoring efforts based on project demands.

Assignments are anticipated to continue through late 2027 to early 2028 depending on project schedules and workload.

What You'll Do

Responsibilities will vary based on experience level, regulatory approvals, and area of expertise, but may include:

• Conduct Swainson’s hawk nesting surveys, habitat assessments, and preconstruction surveys in accordance with CDFW and project permit requirements.

• Provide biological monitoring during construction activities occurring near active or historically occupied Swainson’s hawk nesting habitat.

• Serve as the designated biologist coordinating directly with construction personnel, environmental compliance teams, and agency representatives.

• Monitor compliance with mitigation measures, buffer restrictions, and permit conditions related to Swainson’s hawk protection.

• Prepare daily monitoring logs, nesting status updates, compliance documentation, and technical reports.

• Assist with additional special-status species surveys and construction compliance monitoring efforts as needed.

• Support adaptive management recommendations and field coordination to minimize impacts to protected species during active construction.

• 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.

• Minimum 3–5 years of biological fieldwork, including construction compliance monitoring and field leadership responsibilities.

• Demonstrated experience conducting Swainson’s hawk surveys and nest monitoring in California’s Central Valley.

• Prior approval or demonstrated qualifications as a CDFW-approved or agency-recognized Swainson’s Hawk Designated Biologist strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with federal and state environmental regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), federal and state Endangered Species Acts (ESA), and Incidental Take Permit (ITP) requirements.

• 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.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing experience preparing field reports, monitoring logs, and preconstruction survey documentation.

• Experience working independently in the field and collaborating with field teams.

• Ability to hike 6–8 miles per day in challenging terrain and variable weather conditions while carrying up to 25lbs of equipment.

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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 (https://www.rinconconsultants.com/our-culture/) .

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. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religious belief, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification, gender expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, family care, marital status, military and veteran or qualified disabled veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. Rincon Consultants, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify Program to ensure that all employees hired are legally able to work in the United States.