Swainson’s Hawk Designated Biologist

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.

What You'll Do

• 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.

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.

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.