Wildlife Biologist BOW Consulting Group — San Joaquin Valley, California Engagement type: Project hire, full-time for approximately 2 years; option to extend.
Location:
San Joaquin Valley, CA; field-based with some remote reporting work Anticipated start: Late 2026, with field intensity increasing during initial mobilization
Duration:
Approximately 2 years, spanning the full construction phase; sustained engagement throughout, with heaviest field demand during mobilization, preconstruction survey windows, and nesting-season activity About the Role BOW Consulting Group supports construction-phase biological compliance on utility-scale renewable energy projects. We are seeking an experienced, self-directed wildlife biologist to join our field team as a project hire on for approximately two years, helping fulfill project Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) requirements and Conditions of Approval through the construction period. What You'll Do Conduct and/or manage junior staff to conduct the following tasks.; Preconstruction clearance surveys for San Joaquin kit fox and American badger (per
USFWS 2011
protocols), including den identification, classification, and buffer recommendations. Burrowing owl surveys (per
CDFG 2012
Appendix D methodology), including establishing and monitoring no-disturbance buffers around active burrows and coordinating survey results with CDFW and the relevant county agency. Nesting bird and Swainson's hawk surveys during the breeding season, including buffer establishment (up to 0.5 mile for Swainson's hawk) and full-time nest monitoring where construction activity occurs near active nests, including extended, proactive monitoring of documented nest trees. Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training — delivering or supporting training sessions for construction personnel on protected species recognition and avoidance. Daily field BMP compliance support , including confirming flagged/staked work limits, trench and excavation checks, pipe/culvert inspections, speed-limit compliance, and trash abatement. Daily biological monitoring during ground-disturbing construction activities, with authority to flag or halt work in the event of a potential take or compliance concern. Field documentation and reporting , including field logs, photo documentation, and input to monthly compliance summaries; coordination with the project team and any third-party monitor as needed. What We're Looking For Prior field experience with San Joaquin kit fox, American badger, burrowing owl, and Swainson's hawk, ideally on utility-scale solar, wind, or BESS construction projects in California's San Joaquin Valley or similar Central Valley agricultural/grassland settings. Working knowledge of CDFG (2012) burrowing owl survey methodology and USFWS (2011) San Joaquin kit fox survey protocols. Comfort working independently in the field under variable weather and site conditions, with a reliable vehicle for site access. Strong field documentation habits — clear notes, photo logs, and timely reporting. Availability for a sustained, approximately two-year assignment, including scheduled preconstruction survey windows and daily monitoring shifts, with flexibility around early-morning or seasonal survey timing. Prior experience as a designated biological monitor with stop-work authority is a plus. A degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field, or equivalent applied field experience. Engagement Details This is a project-hire of approximately two years' duration with option to extend. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Field assignments will follow the construction schedule over the term of the engagement; advance notice will be provided where possible, though some monitoring needs may arise on short notice. How to Apply Please send a resume, a brief summary of your relevant field experience (species and project types), and your availability to: Jeff Zirpoli BOW Consulting Group jzirpoli@consultbow.com Please reference "Wildlife Biologist — Project Hire" in your subject line.
Pay:
$75,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance